Education: From disruption to recovery

Since its outbreak two years ago, the COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted education systems globally, affecting the most vulnerable learners the hardest. It has increased inequalities and exacerbated a pre-existing education crisis. School closures have ranged from no closures in a handful of countries to up to more than a full school year. Lack of connectivity and devices excluded at least one third of students from pursuing learning remotely.

Today, despite the Omicron variant, schools are open in the majority of countries, supported by health and safety protocols and vaccination programmes. But the costs stand to be tremendous in terms of learning losses, health and well-being and drop-out. Prioritizing education as a public good is crucial to avoid a generational catastrophe and drive a sustainable recovery. To be more resilient, equitable and inclusive, education systems must transform, leveraging technology to benefit all learners and building on the innovations and partnerships catalyzed  throughout this crisis.

UNESCO is supporting countries in their efforts to mitigate the impact of school closures, address learning losses, support teachers and adapt education systems, particularly for vulnerable and disadvantaged communities. 

To mobilize and support learning continuity, UNESCO has established the Global Education Coalition which today counts 175 members working around three central themes: Gender, connectivity and teachers.