Education: from school closure to recovery

For the past two years, the COVID-19 pandemic has been disrupting education systems around the world, particularly affecting the most vulnerable learners. The pandemic has increased inequalities and exacerbated the pre-existing educational crisis. Disruptions have ranged from no school closures in a handful of countries to more than a year of closures in a number of countries. Lack of connectivity and equipment prevented at least a third of learners from pursuing distance learning.

Today, despite the Omicron variant, schools are open in most countries thanks to the implementation of health protocols and vaccination programmes. However, the consequences in terms of learning, health, well-being and drop-out are considerable. Making education a priority public good is essential to avoid a generational catastrophe and enable a sustainable recovery.

Global Response

High-level ministerial meetings

Creating a space for policy dialogue on education recovery to leave no learner behind

Global monitoring through interactive maps

To follow the evolution of school closures & learning loss across the world

Campaigns mounted by UNESCO

To ensure continuity of learning and that girls remain in school

Ideas and views:

A round up of think pieces, articles and blogs on UNESCO's education response to COVID-19 and other issues

Webinars and workshops

To share information on countries' efforts to maintain inclusive education provision in different contexts

Issue notes

Evidence to mitigate the short and long-term impact of school closures

Digital Learning Resources

To support governments, schools, teachers, parents reaching out to learners unable to attend to school

National Learning Platforms

To support the continuity of curriculum-based study

education systems must transform, using technology to benefit all learners and building on the innovations and partnerships that have emerged throughout this crisis.

UNESCO is supporting countries in their efforts to reduce the impact of school closures, address learning loss, support teachers and adapt education systems, especially for vulnerable and disadvantaged communities.

To mobilise and support the continuum of learning, UNESCO has established the Global Coalition for Education, which now has 175 members working around three main themes: gender, connectivity and teachers.