A LOST GENERATION & WHAT WE MUST DO

The COVID-19 pandemic has hit different strata of society in distinctively catastrophic ways. Impaired by the disruption of education in their formative years, the young ones are the most affected by catastrophic impacts affecting an entire generation.

In mid-April 2020, according to UNESCO, 192 countries abruptly shut schools across the globe to contain the spread of COVID-19. The required critical step to curb the spread of the virus has cast a dark shadow over the future of millions of children across the globe.

“463 million children were unable to access remote learning resources during lockdown”

Source – UNICEF, 2020

While educational institutions and schools have shifted to the online mode, it has been difficult for them to engage students from the disadvantageous segment of society. Lack of access to resources is accelerating inequalities and fueling a shadow pandemic.

“Previous school shutdowns demonstrate that children who are out of school for extended periods, especially girls are less likely to return to school”

Source – UNICEF, 2020

Children living in the shadow of COVID-19 because of school closures face a heightened risk of domestic violence and psychosocial issues, sexual and gender-based violence, child marriage, and child labor.

COVID-19 has resulted in an increased number of child marriages and children quitting school to join the labor market

Source – World Bank, 2020

A world bank report predicts a loss of USD 440 billion in future earnings due to the loss of learning opportunities among millions of children in India.

Following the social distancing and safety guidelines, India had to close 1.5 million schools, affecting an estimated 286 million children from pre-primary to secondary grades. The number adds to the 6 million girls and boys not attending school since pre-lockdown.

There is an urgent need to reimagine education that is effective, equitable, and resilient.

Kazi Foundation has been working across the country towards providing unhindered education to its student beneficiaries through effective and inclusive remote learning systems. In its adopted communities, Kazi Foundation is working tirelessly to minimize the loss of learning due to COVID-19 by ensuring that disadvantaged children are back to school and continue quality learning.

Today, 45,000 students in 24 Govt. schools across ten states in India are part of the program.

Among the poorest households in India, only 8.9% have access to the Internet, which is essential for remote learning. To solve the problem for underprivileged communities, Kazi Foundation has, following COVID safety protocols, established Adapt Impact Community Learning Centres. These centers are digitally enabled safe learning spaces within the community, equipped with iPads and computers powered by high-speed Internet.

Students from grades 2-8 from the disadvantaged and economically weaker sections of society can continue education despite the insurmountable challenges.

By being physically present at the COVID-safe Kazi Foundation Adapt Impact Community Learning Centre, children from disadvantaged communities can continue their education and participate in learning.

Apart from education, as part of the Kazi Foundation’s holistic approach, mental well-being counseling is also provided at these centers to the students. Currently, Kazi Foundation has two operational centers and is working towards scaling its reach.

Disruption in school education has set back global development goals. Combined with the overhanging recession, this is one of the worst shocks to education systems. The economic crises globally will further augment poverty and lead to a human development crisis that will continue long after the pandemic.

The time to act is now! to reimagine and rebuild education systems and ensure that all students can access education anywhere and anytime.