UNICEF alarms about the number of illiterate children in conflict zones
18/1/16
According
to the latest analysis by the UNICEF, nearly 24 million children living in
crisis areas from 22 countries affected by conflict have not been to school.
This
analysis shows that nearly a quarter of 109.2 million children at school age
(primary and junior secondary schools, from 6-15 years old), living in the
conflict zone have not been go to school.
In
South Sudan, the proportion of children not enrolled in classes at the highest
level, which corresponds to more than half (51%) of all children in primary
school age and junior high school not in school. Then Niger with 47%, Sudan 41%
and Afghanistan 40% of children not in school
Ms.
Jo Bourne - Official in charge of UNICEF's education, declared that: “Children
living in countries affected by conflicts had lost shelter, family members,
friends, security and their routine. Currently, failure to attend school will
not only make basic ability to read and write, the future of the children
affected that they are at risk of not contributing to the social ability and
economy of the country when they reach adulthood”.
In
countries affected by conflicts, the collection of data on children is
extremely difficult and therefore, these figures may not accurately reflect the
depth and reality of the matter.
In
this context, UNICEF fears that, if we do not give priority to education in situations,
the whole generation of children living in conflict zones will grow up without
the needed basic skills to contribute to the life and economy of their country.
Already desperate situation of millions of children and their families will
become worse.
However,
in practice, education continues to be one of the areas receiving humanitarian
assistance. In Uganda, where UNICEF provides support for South Sudanese
refugees, the fiscal deficit in the education sector has risen to 89%.
According
to Ms. Jo Bourne, the school gives children the knowledge and necessary skills
to rebuild their communities when conflict ends. And in short term, the schools
also give children the stability and necessary structure to overcome the trauma
they have to constantly go through in life. Schools can also protect children
from injury and physical hazards in their environment. When children are not in
school, they would get risk of becoming victims of abuse, exploitation and
recruitment into armed groups.
During
the unrest and violence, schools become the place not only for learning. UNICEF
is working to establish a safe environment where kids can learn and play, to
restore a normal thing in their lives.
However,
for these efforts to succeed, it requires security and strengthening the
financial investment in education, as well as distribution of learning
materials in situations of conflicts.
All comments [ 13 ]
Growing numbers of children are facing increasingly complex and destructive conflicts, natural disasters and other emergencies
Children have the right to grow up happy and safe, and should not have to fear that they will be targeted by combatants
I have seen firsthand the devastating impact that living in a conflict zone – without protection or access to water, medicine, food and school – can have on children.
UNICEF can’t stop these conflicts, but together – through donations, education and advocacy -- we can help children be children again.
The appeal also includes hugely under-funded and forgotten crises where children are in desperate need
From deadly natural disasters to brutal conflicts and fast-spreading epidemics, children across the world are facing a new generation of humanitarian crises
Whether in the headlines or hidden from view, emergencies sparked by social fracture, climate change and disease are stalking children in ways we have never seen before.
these children have been witnessing violence and death daily and have been missing out on the very basics in life.
to immediate humanitarian response, funds raised will help UNICEF in its work with partner organizations to prepare countries for future disasters by reinforcing national preparedness systems and equipping communities to help themselves.
Where a child is born should not determine his or her destiny. We must get vital services and care to children in acute need now, to provide the building blocks that will allow them to create peaceful futures. This is not just about immediate humanitarian action as these short-term investments will have long-term gains.
children in conflict zones are pitiful. They are victims of political intentions.
I feel hurt when witnessing the death of children who were killed by the conflicts or wars
we should make effort to protect children from the wars/conflicts and bring them a safer and better life
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