UNICEF reports widespread learning loss in Ukraine due to war, COVID-19

Anjali Sharma

GG News Bureau

UNITED NATIONS, 30th Aug. UNICEF on Tuesday said that Ukrainian children are showing signs of widespread learning loss doe to the ongoing war preceded by the COVID-19 pandemic facing a fourth year of education setbacks.

Regina De Dominicis, UNICEF Regional Director for Europe and Central Asia said “Inside Ukraine, attacks on schools have continued unabated, leaving children deeply distressed and without safe spaces to learn.”

“Not only has this left Ukraine’s children struggling to progress in their education, but they are also struggling to retain what they learnt when their schools were fully functioning,” she said.

According to the latest survey data, up to 57 per cent of teachers report deterioration in students’ Ukrainian language abilities, up to 45 per cent of educators point to a reduction in maths skills, while 52 per cent report a reduction in foreign language abilities.

It said a third of children of primary and secondary age are learning fully in-person. Third of enrolled students are learning through a mixed approach of in-person and online, and one-third are fully remote.

She said that online learning can complement in-person learning and provide a short-term solution, but it cannot fully replace in-person classes, which are especially critical for social development and foundational learning among young children.

UNICEF noted that according to national survey data, two-thirds of preschool-age children are not attending any kind of learning facility. In frontline areas, three-quarters of parents report not sending their children to preschool.

Ukraine’s refugee children facing uncertainty, with more than half of children from preschool to secondary school not enrolled in national education systems across seven countries hosting refugees.

UNICEF stated pre-schoolers and secondary-age students are the most likely to miss out. Language barriers, difficulty in accessing school, and overstretched education systems are among the contributing factors.

It warned that young refugees are likely attempting to study online, either via the Ukrainian curriculum or through other distance learning platforms whereas others may have completely abandoned their education.

Ms. De Dominicis said that the agency can provide children who have endured loss, displacement and violence with a sense of routine and safety, a chance to build friendships and get help from teachers.

They can promote access to vaccines, nutrition and services to support mental health and well-being.

UNICEF is working with governments and partners on the ground in Ukraine and countries hosting refugee children and families to help increase access to quality learning.

They agency is working with the Ukrainian Government to support learning recovery and alignment with regional standards to remove barriers to education and ensure lifelong learning for all.

UNICEF added that rehabilitating schools and providing much needed catch-up classes in core subjects, with the aim to support 300,000 children at risk of learning losses in Ukraine over the coming school year.