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Global Education Crisis: A Call for Urgent Support

Introduction

The latest Global Estimates Report, published by Education Cannot Wait (ECW), has raised significant alarm over the escalating educational needs of children globally affected by humanitarian crises. According to the report, nearly a quarter of a billion children of school age desperately require assistance to access quality education. Over the past three years alone, this number has increased by about 35 million, indicating a pressing need for immediate attention and intervention.

A Growing Problem

As of the end of 2024, the report highlights that 234 million children and adolescents are experiencing the adverse effects of humanitarian crises. Among these, a staggering 85 million, or 37%, are completely out of school. The continued rise in conflicts and the increasing frequency of natural disasters and extreme weather events pose serious threats to the present and future of these children.

The most adversely affected groups include refugee, displaced, and disabled children, as well as girls, who face unique challenges in accessing education during crises. Despite the necessity for increased support, funding has not risen correspondingly. Following a period of significant growth in humanitarian educational aid, funding levels have stagnated. Moreover, the total amount of Official Development Assistance (ODA) allocated for education has decreased in recent years. According to UN data, the annual funding gap for achieving Sustainable Development Goals related to education in low and lower-middle income countries amounts to approximately $100 billion.

The Alarm Raised on Education Day

On International Education Day, ECW director Yasmine Sherif emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating: "Today, we raise the alarm. Nearly a quarter of a billion girls and boys are deprived of their fundamental right to quality education due to various humanitarian crises. We urgently need increased financial support from both the public and private sectors to provide quality education in safe and nurturing environments that foster their development. Enabling them to unlock their potential for positive change is the most effective investment we can make to expedite the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals."

The Impact of Conflict and Other Crises

The report correlates several ongoing crises with long-term threats to the health, education, and well-being of children. There has been a twofold increase in the number of conflicts globally over the past five years. By 2024, extreme or severe conflicts impacting societal functions were occurring in 50 countries. Among the 234 million children affected, approximately 52% are girls, while 17% (15 million) are refugees or displaced individuals, and over 20% have disabilities. Five protracted conflicts, specifically in Sudan, Afghanistan, Ethiopia, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Pakistan, are primarily responsible for the educational plight of nearly half of these children.

Dismal School Attendance Rates

The report shockingly states that nearly one-third of children are missing primary education, with an alarming 36% and 47% of middle and high school students, respectively, lacking access to secondary education. Among those attending school in crisis contexts, many suffer from educational deficits; only 17% possess minimum reading competencies upon completing elementary education. Notably, girls constitute 52% of this group and tend to achieve better academic results despite the challenges they face.

Regional Challenges and Climate Change

Sub-Saharan Africa houses nearly half of all school-aged children impacted by humanitarian crises. This region faces profound challenges in ensuring educational access for all children. The report also highlights the exacerbating effects of climate change, which increases the frequency of disasters that further obstruct children's access to education. In 2024, floods devastated areas across the Sahel, East Africa, and Central Asia, while severe droughts impacted regions in North and South Africa and parts of North, Central, and South America. The combined repercussions of these crises have intensified food insecurity, leading to unprecedented levels of internal displacement.

A Strategic Plan for Action

In response to these complex challenges, ECW and its strategic partners have announced the urgent need to raise an additional $600 million to fund the objectives outlined in the fund's four-year strategic plan. The funds collected from public and private sectors and affluent individual donors will be allocated towards initiatives that aim to extend high-quality education and a nurturing environment to 20 million children caught in humanitarian crises by 2026.

Conclusion

The findings of the Global Estimates Report are a sobering reminder of the mounting educational needs of children affected by crises worldwide. There is an urgent call to action for governments and organizations to work together to address this educational emergency. Ensuring that every child has access to quality education is essential for shaping a better future and achieving global development goals.