THE future of millions of children in West and Central Africa could be at risk because of the spread of coronavirus, which has led to the closure of schools in most countries, an international non-governmental organisation, Save the Children International Nigeria, has said.
The organisation noted that the future of more than 120,000,000 children, who are mostly out-of-school in West and Central Africa, could be in jeopardy as a result of the pandemic.
It noted that almost all countries, including Nigeria, have introduced nationwide school and university closures so far to contain the Covid-19 virus, adding that the number is expected to rise as the virus looks set to spread.
In a statement by its Acting Country Director, Mercy Gichuhi, the organisation noted that the closure of schools could further worsen the vulnerabilities of marginalised children within West and Central Africa and especially in the Sahel.
According to the organisation, education systems in Nigeria, Republic of Niger, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Burkina and Mali are facing considerable challenges as a result of the on-going conflict and displacement and a critical lack of funding.
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It added that the outbreak of covid-19 would further “exacerbate these already dire challenges.”
The statement said: “While some countries are better prepared to provide ‘learning at a distance’ for children during school closures, the most marginalised girls and boys living in rural areas or the suburb of the main cities will struggle to access distance learning. This includes children from low-income households, those with disabilities and children already affected by conflict and humanitarian crises.
“Education needs to be integrated in the current response of the COVID-19 outbreak, as the future of millions of children is at stake. The disease may disappear over time, but children will continue to suffer the consequences for the rest of their lives.”
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