Education is the only thing that cannot be taken away. It is the key to fulfilling my dreams.
By the Numbers: The Impact of COVID-19 on Education
- 1.5 billion – children and youth out of school globally due to COVID-19
- 73% – of all students out of school due to COVID-19
- 186 – countries have primary and secondary schools closed nationwide
- All 16 – countries where Room to Read operates have had localized or nationwide school closures
*As of May 2020
Education is a Fundamental Human Right
During this time of crisis, we must protect our students’ right to learn. Only through education can people build the skills and resources they need to best respond to crises like the one our global community is currently facing.
For some students, these closures will only be a temporary shift in their schooling before they’re back on track, but for many in the communities that we serve, this could mean the end of their education.
“The data suggest that the COVID-19 pandemic will have huge impacts on student learning across the world, but students in low-income countries and those in sub-Saharan Africa will be the most negatively affected. In these countries, governments have been less able to provide remote learning opportunities and guidance to teachers to address student learning needs during the crisis.”
– Brookings report, “School closures, government responses, and learning inequality around the world during COVID-19, Emiliana Vegas, April 14, 2020