Shutting down schools will affect 320 million students globally: Unicef

Shutting down schools yet again can affect as many as 320 million students around the world, the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (Unicef) said on December 8. Based on this analysis, Unicef has urged governments to consider reopening schools in their respective countries. 

In November, the number of students affected by the closure of schools went up by 38%. The multiple lockdowns have severely affected the marginalised children as schools for them also meant food and safety.

Unicef has urged schools to have better safety guidelines and promote remote learning, especially for children who were deprived of education during these lockdowns. Stakeholders and parents in India are not completely for the idea of reopening schools due to the spread of COVID-19 in the country. Unicef fears many schools might have to shut permanently if their closure continues.