The analysis, titled Learning Interrupted: Global Snapshot of Climate-Related School Disruptions in 2024, reveals that climate hazards such as heatwaves, tropical cyclones, floods, and droughts have disrupted the education of over 242 million children across 85 countries. The report, released on the International Day of Education, underscores the worsening learning crisis triggered by these climate events, which have led to widespread school closures and interruptions in lesson schedules, affecting students at all educational levels.

The report shows that these disruptions have not only caused immediate setbacks for millions of students but have also exacerbated the global education crisis.  

According to Dr Wongani Taulo, UNICEF Regional Advisor for Education in Eastern and Southern Africa, the scale of the problem is staggering. "Globally, one in seven children has been affected by climate-related disruptions," he said. "In our region, around 8 million children have been directly impacted by various climate hazards."

Africa has been hit particularly hard, with more than 107 million children currently out of school. Taulo highlighted the dire consequences of these disruptions, noting that climate-related school closures increase the vulnerability of children, with more than 20 million African children at risk of dropping out due to these challenges.

Beyond the immediate loss of schooling, the long-term impact on students' learning outcomes is concerning. Taulo explained that disruptions lead to learning loss, particularly in literacy and numeracy, which can have far-reaching economic consequences. Additionally, school closures expose children to increased risks, including child labour and early marriage, particularly for girls. The long-term effects on children’s nutrition and cognitive development also contribute to further setbacks in their education.

To mitigate these impacts, UNICEF is working closely with governments to integrate climate education into curricula, build climate-resilient infrastructure, and equip teachers with the necessary skills to navigate climate-related challenges.  

Taulo emphasised the need for increased investment in education, especially in building adaptive systems that can withstand climate hazards, to ensure the future of African children’s education.

--ChannelAfrica--