Coronavirus: UNICEF to help school students in India continue studies
What's the story
The Coronavirus outbreak has disrupted the education of as many as 80% of school students worldwide. According to UNICEF, the longer the students stay out of school, the less likely they are to ever return. Hence, to keep children around the world learning, the UNICEF has decided to scale up support in 145 nations, including India. Here are more details.
Details
UNICEF announces $13 million aid
UNICEF on Thursday announced an initial global allocation of $13 million to help children continue their learning in low and middle-income countries. The initiative aims at promoting alternative modes of learning in case of school closure, advocate good hygiene practices to keep children and their communities safe, prevent stigma and discrimination by teaching children to avoid stereotypes, and also support children's mental health.
Information
UNICEF to prepare education programs through online, radio, TV
As part of maintaining continuity of learning, UNICEF's plan includes designing and preparing alternative education programs through online, radio and television. The UN body also aims to support the government's crisis response plans, including plans for reopening schools.
In India
National, 17 state education departments in India to receive support
According to Hindustan Times, in India, UNICEF is supporting national and 17 state education departments in continuing student education. UNICEF said in a statement, "State-specific appropriate strategies are supported for continuous learning that allows school-aged children, teachers, and schools to utilize flexible and remote/ home-based learning, which may include reading material, Radio, TV, online content, and internet-based learning."
Information
Over 1.5 million schools shut in India amid lockdown
The coronavirus outbreak has led to a 21-day nationwide lockdown in India, reportedly causing at least 1.5 million schools to remain shut. Final examinations have either been suspended or schools have decided to promote students to the next class without conducting examinations.
Quote
'In vulnerable communities, impact of coronavirus could last generations'
UNICEF Global Chief of Education Robert Jenkins said, "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." Referring to learnings from the Ebola outbreak, Jenkins added, "The longer children stay away from school, the less likely they are to ever return."
COVID-19
Coronavirus killed over 24,000 across the world
Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) was first reported in China's Wuhan city in December. The disease is caused by a novel coronavirus called SARS-CoV-2. The virus attacks a host's respiratory system triggering symptoms such as fever, cough, and breathing difficulties. In severe cases, it may cause pneumonia, multiple organ failure, or death. COVID-19 has spread to roughly 170 countries, killing 24,000 and sickening 5.3 lakh.