Fortunately, you can read this. Millions cannot. Undeniably, the numbers are devastating: 262 million children and youth are out of school; 617 million are unable to read and do basic mathematics even when in school; and 750 million adults lack foundational literacy skills, resulting in lower earning power and difficulty in negotiating… Read more →←
Author: Jo Bourne
Do you remember playing? Do you remember playing with a favorite toy? Do you remember playing with friends? Early childhood education in its best form gives opportunities for children to learn through playing. It brings their ideas to life, builds relationships and broadens their world. It sets in motion a positive cycle of learning… Read more →←
In the early 1950s, about 50 per cent of primary school age children were out of school. In 1970, that figure stood at 28 per cent. Today, it has come down to 9 per cent. Progress has been slow, and there is still more to be done, but many millions of children have realized their right to education since that time. For the vast majority… Read more →←
Scaling up an innovation for maximum use and maximum benefit is never easy. The road to success is bumpy, and good ideas inevitably stumble into barriers – especially when the purpose of the innovation is to improve children’s learning experiences. But innovation that can be effective, scaled up and replicated is precisely what is… Read more →←
It is time for a dose of pragmatism: 121 million children and young adolescents are out of school and we do not stand a chance of reaching them by continuing to pursue a one-size-fits-all approach to education. The optimism of ‘build more schools and they shall come’ will not reach refugees, children who work, children who face… Read more →←
When people talk about innovation, often they are looking for a button to press, a screen to swipe or an app to download. Then they sit back and wait for the world to change – for the better, of course. At UNICEF, when we talk about innovation, we mean simple, local remedies with the potential to tackle complex, global problems. And… Read more →←
Numbers, facts and figures can be daunting. Discuss too much data and people’s eyes are sure to glaze over. But let me assure you, data can make all the difference. The Out-of-School Children Initiative is an example of how UNICEF and its partners use numbers, facts and figures to change children’s lives. On the Day of the African… Read more →←
