UNICEF scales up to support in 145 countries to battle COVID-19

UNICEF scales up to support in 145 countries to battle COVID-19

As schools get closed due to COVID-19 and disrupt the education, UNICEF on Thursday announced that it will significantly scale up the support in all the countries to help children continue their education.To continue the education, UNICEF has allocated additional funding to 145 low and middle-income countries, a statement from UNICEF or United Nations Children's Fund said."Schools in the majority of countries worldwide have closed. It is an unprecedented situation and unless we collectively act now to protect children's education, societies and economies will feel the burden long after we've beaten COVID-19. In the most vulnerable communities, the impact will span generations," said Robert Jenkins, UNICEF Global Chief of Education."Based on lessons learned with the school closures in response to Ebola, the longer children stay away from school, the less likely they are to ever return. Giving children alternative ways to learn and also by doing so, rebuild a routine is a critical part of our response," said Mr Jenkins added.The initiative will enable countries to prepare for alternative learning programs. The funds will also help support children’s mental health during the time of crisis.UNICEF will now work with the partner countries to: Support the government’s crisis response plans which will include technical assistance, rapid risk analysis, data collection, and planning for the reopening of schools.Support and planning of safe school operation and risk communication  including translating, printing, disseminating and implementing safe school guidelines; equipping schools with hygiene packages and circulating critical information on disease prevention; and training teachers and caregivers in psychosocial and mental health support for themselves and studentsEnsure continuity of learning and access to remote learningEnhance the capacity building for the current response and future pandemics.

source https://www.brainbuxa.com/education-news/unicef-scales-up-to-support-in-145-countries-to-battle-covid-19-10227