An estimated 22.8 million children aged 5-16 are out-of-school in Pakistan. At present, Pakistan has the world's second-highest number of out-of-school children (OOSC), representing 44 percent of the total population in this age group. Punjab has the dubious distinction of having the highest average literacy rate in Pakistan of 61%, as it remains lop-sided with deep pockets of illiteracy. A closer examination shows that the provincial average does not tell the complete story and masks the poor situation in the southern districts of the province. In Rahim Yar Khan District, only one in three people is literate.
Children can be powerful agents of change when given the chance to succeed. However, protracted crises and natural disasters have denied an estimated 50 million children their childhood and the opportunity to reach their full potential. Children’s vulnerabilities are amplified in emergency settings, where children are often exposed to repeated traumatic events. They are at a higher risk of being exploited, sexually abused, trafficked, and recruited into extremist groups. Adverse experiences during early childhood development can have repercussions on physical, cognitive, and emotional development, negatively impacting future well-being and functioning.
Schools in India have been disrupted due to the COVID-19 outbreak. This blog discusses how the closing of schools can impact the education of girls and young women. Read to learn more and how you can help.
Important update from all of us at GCE-US:Education for all, collaborative advocacy & partnership are more important now than ever. Join in doubling our actions in challenging times!
The World Health Organization (WHO) has released the Improving Early Childhood Development: WHO Guideline, which provides evidence-informed recommendations on improving Early Childhood Development (ECD). The purpose of the guideline is to identify specific ECD interventions and practical approaches that will improve developmental outcomes for children. The guideline focuses on the needs of both caregivers and young children, and identifies that the foundation for lifelong health, productivity, and well being is built in the early years starting from pregnancy.
March marks Women’s History Month, a time where we celebrate the achievements of women and the strides we have taken towards equality. While there is much to celebrate, there is also much to be improved. Currently, there are 132 million girls who are out of school and do not have access to an education. Moreover, two thirds of all illiterate adults are women. It’s time we start investing in girls’ education, as the success of young girls and women leads to the success of society.
“Leave No Child Behind” reveals that we must do more to protect millions of children with disabilities around the world. Read Nourou's story and sign the petition.
Global Partnership for Education and the Center for Universal Education at Brookings held an event at the World Bank Headquarters in Washington, DC to discuss the progress made towards achieving gender transformation in education systems.
On October 16, 2019, national and international education advocates and practitioners came together in Baltimore, Maryland, USA, for a day of discussion and site visits at local schools.