UNICEF has created a powerful display in New York City to draw attention to the staggering number of children worldwide who have not set foot in a classroom for nearly a year. As the one-year anniversary of remote learning approaches, families everywhere are reflecting on the impact of yet another year of disrupted education. In light of this, UNICEF is urging governments globally to prioritize the safe return of students to in-person learning. Their “pandemic classroom” installation, located outside the United Nations, features 168 empty desks and backpacks, symbolizing the 168 million children whose schools have been shuttered since last March.
“168 empty desks. 168 unused backpacks. 168 million futures hanging in the balance,” UNICEF shared on social media. This poignant installation serves as a stark reminder of the global education crisis. The organization emphasizes that it is crucial for world leaders to take all necessary measures to reopen schools effectively. Henrietta Fore, UNICEF’s Executive Director, stressed that we cannot allow children to enter a second year of inadequate or nonexistent in-person education, stating, “No effort should be spared to keep schools open, or prioritize them in reopening plans.”
UNICEF has outlined specific guidelines for the safe reopening of schools. However, in the U.S., where education policies vary greatly by state, the situation can feel overwhelming. Critics have pointed out inconsistencies, such as allowing indoor dining while schools remain closed. Additionally, recent reports indicate that only 4% of school-age children are in areas that meet the CDC’s safety criteria for full in-person learning. On a positive note, as vaccination efforts continue to accelerate and COVID-19 cases decline, there is hope for a return to classrooms. Although President Biden has expressed a desire for children to be back in school, the actual implementation of safe reopening strategies remains to be seen.
As we near the one-year mark of the pandemic, we are reminded of the profound educational crisis that has emerged from global lockdowns. Each passing day leaves children without access to in-person schooling further behind, especially those from marginalized backgrounds who are suffering the most. In March 2020, few could have imagined that we would still be grappling with these challenges today. The question now is: what actions will our leaders take to address this pressing issue?
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Related Topics
- How to support children’s education during the pandemic
- The impact of COVID-19 on global education systems
- Strategies for safely reopening schools
- Resources for parents navigating remote learning
- Advocacy for children’s right to education during crises
Summary: UNICEF’s recent installation in New York highlights the plight of 168 million children who have not attended school due to the pandemic. The organization calls on global leaders to prioritize safe school reopenings as we approach the one-year mark of remote learning. With varying state policies in the U.S. and ongoing vaccination efforts, the future of in-person education remains uncertain.