Children Affected by War and Corona Face a More Secure Future Through Remote Education
Sept. 3, 2020
Consequences for their future
Currently, 463 million children worldwide do not have access to remote learning. The millions of children living in conflict areas are doubly impacted. Not only do they face the harsh reality of not being able to get to their schools due to war and conflict – but now also face the added burden of their schools closing due to COVID-19. This is having a severe impact on their education. "We will eventually reach a point where children can no longer make up for their learning disadvantages. This will have major consequences for their development and their future," says Tjipke Bergsma, Director of War Child.
With schools closed many children miss out on education. This could have major consequences for their development and their future.
New approach
War Child is now urgently addressing this education crisis by working with children and their communities to develop innovative solutions that address children’s core educational needs. This ranges from setting up school radios, creating educational programmes for mobile phones and providing support through applications like WhatsApp. Children in Lebanon, for instance, can now access education via digital tablets on which they can learn to count, write and read in a playful manner. This is a critical support to children and War Child is aiming to extend its support to thousands more who are impacted by the pandemic.
Education on digital tablets ensures children can continue to learn to count, write and read remotely in a playful manner.
Counting on a future
"Children are resilient and inventive - they always find a way," says Tjipke Bergsma. "We have to follow their example and do the same if we want to prevent an entire generation from dropping out of the educational system. There are ways to ensure every child can receive an education and support, even in a crisis situation. We need to find these solutions and deliver them."
