A LOST GENERATION & WHAT WE MUST DO
The COVID-19 pandemic has hit different strata of society in distinctively catastrophic ways. Impaired by disruption of education in their formative years, the young ones are the most affected by catastrophic impacts affecting an entire generation.
Source – UNICEF, 2020
While educational institutions and schools have shifted to the online mode, it has been difficult for them to engage students from the disadvantageous segment of society. Lack of access to resources is accelerating inequalities and fueling a shadow pandemic.
Source – UNICEF, 2020
Children living in the shadow of COVID-19 because of school closures face a heightened risk of domestic violence and psychosocial issues, sexual and gender-based violence, child marriage and child labour.
Source – World Bank, 2020
Following the social distancing and safety guidelines, India had to close 1.5 million schools, affecting an estimated 286 million children from pre-primary to secondary grades. The number adds to the 6 million girls and boys not attending school since pre lockdown.
There is an urgent need to reimagine education that is effective, equitable and resilient.
KHUSHII, a national level NGO, has been working across the country towards providing unhindered education to its student beneficiaries through effective and inclusive remote learning systems. In its adopted communities, KHUSHII is working tirelessly to minimise the loss of learning due to COVID-19 by ensuring that disadvantaged children are back to school and continue quality learning.
Among the poorest households in India, only 8.9% have access to the Internet, which is essential for remote learning. To solve the problem for the underprivileged communities, KHUSHII has, following COVID safety protocols, established Adapt Impact Community Learning Centres. These centres are digitally enabled safe learning spaces within the community, equipped with iPads and computers powered by high-speed Internet.
Adapt Impact Centres are already making a difference amongst our adopted communities in Delhi and Bengaluru. Students from grades 2-8 from the disadvantaged and economically weaker sections of society are able to continue education despite the insurmountable challenges.
Apart from education, as part of KHUSHII’s
holistic approach, mental wellbeing counselling is also provided at these centres to the students. Currently,
KHUSHII has two operational centres and are working towards scaling the reach.
Disruption in school education has set back global development goals. Combined with the overhanging recession,
this is one of the worst shocks to education systems. The economic crises globally will further augment poverty
and lead to a human development crisis that will continue long after the pandemic.
The time to act is now! to reimagine and rebuild education systems and ensure that all students can access
education anywhere and anytime.
Let’s build back better!
