UNESCO Report: 251 million children still out of school, urges global investment in education

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has reported in its latest global education report that 251 million children and adolescents worldwide are deprived of schooling and access to education.

In a report titled “The Global Education Status,” UNESCO revealed that 129 million boys and 122 million girls around the world are unable to attend school.

The findings indicate that over the past decade, children’s access to education has improved by only one percent globally.

UNESCO’s report shows that 33 percent of children in low-income countries are deprived of schooling, while in high-income countries, only 3 percent of children lack access to education.

In Afghanistan, where girls’ education beyond grade six is currently banned, only four out of every ten children and adolescents have access to school.

Audrey Azoulay, Director-General of UNESCO, highlighted the disparity in educational access between developed and impoverished nations, stating, “If we do not take serious steps to provide every child with equal opportunities for learning and growth, quality education will remain a privilege for the few.”

She further emphasized that “education is the primary driver of prosperous, inclusive, and peaceful societies.”

UNESCO expressed concern over the disparity in both the quality and accessibility of education between developed and low-income countries.

The organization reported that while developed countries invest $8,543 per student, low- and middle-income countries spend only $55 per student.

In Afghanistan, the restrictions on girls’ education amid deepening poverty and a dire humanitarian crisis put many young girls at risk of underage and forced marriages, as education is often a protective factor against these practices.

The current ban on girls’ education in Afghanistan highlights the urgent need for international support and interventions, as the lack of access to schooling severely limits opportunities for girls and endangers their future prospects and well-being.

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