UN chief warns of 'generational catastrophe' as schools across world had to close due to Covid-19 pandemic
The world is facing "generational catastrophe" due to school closures, warned the UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. Nations should prioritize opening up schools once they manage to bring local Covid-19 transmission under control, he added.
“The Covid-19 pandemic has led to the largest disruption of education ever,” he said. In mid-July, schools in more than 160 countries shut their doors. This has affected over one billion students, and at least 40 million children worldwide have missed out on education in their critical pre-school year, he explained in a video message during the launch of a global campaign called Save our Future.
“Now we face a generational catastrophe that could waste untold human potential, undermine decades of progress, and exacerbate entrenched inequalities,” Gutteres said. “Getting students back into schools and learning institutions as safely as possible must be a top priority.” School closures have knock-on effects on child nutrition, child marriage, and gender equality, said Gutteres, adding that it is deeply concerning.
Though some schools have used television, radio, and online to deliver lessons, a section of students are still losing out. "Learners with disabilities, those in minority or disadvantaged communities, displaced and refugee students, and those in remote areas are at highest risk of being left behind, Guterres warned.
"And even for those who can access distance learning, success depends on their living conditions," Guterres said. There is a heavy burden on parents, especially women, at home. “We must take bold steps now to create inclusive, resilient, quality education systems, fit for the future," he added.
He listed a set of recommendations for getting children back to classrooms. He urged low- and middle-income countries to invest more in education. “Education budgets need to be protected and increased,” he said. “And it is critical that education is at the heart of international solidarity efforts, from debt management and stimulus packages to global humanitarian appeals and official development assistance.”
His statement comes as people are debating on whether it is safe to reopen classrooms. In the US, some have opened up but with varying levels of success. A school in Indiana had to close its doors after several staff members tested positive. And in another, students in Mississippi were forced into quarantine after a classmate was confirmed to have the infection. Some schools have managed to stay safe.
Dr Anthony Fauci, a member of the Coronavirus Task Force, said that opening up schools could help in "the psychological welfare of the children". He, however, added that such decisions should not put others at risk. It must not compromise the health, the safety, and the welfare of the children, of the teachers and secondarily of their parents, who they may spread it to."
Schools operating in regions with low infection rates might be able to function with impunity and not worry about things, he said. As for regions with moderate infection, measures such as bringing kids in only some days or parts of the day and implementing masks and physical distancing could help. For places with a high burden, schools might have to rethink reopening. "You've just got to be flexible depending upon the level of infection where you're located," he told US News & World Report.