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The Global Education Monitoring (GEM) Report, published by UNESCO, indicates an increase in the number of out-of-school children globally.

Highlights of the GEM Report

The estimated number of out-of-school children and youth now around 272 million.

The report projects a shortfall in achieving national education goals. By 2025, countries are on track to miss their SDG 4 targets; ensure inclusive and equitable quality education for all.

The crisis affects all levels of schooling, with the challenge growing as children get older:

• Primary School (ages 6-11): 78 million children (11%) are out of school.
• Lower Secondary School (ages 12-14): 64 million adolescents (15%) are out of school.
• Upper Secondary School (ages 15-17): 130 million youth (31%) are out of school. This is the most critical stage, with nearly one in three youths globally denied an upper secondary education.

 Reasons for the Increase

New Enrolment Data and Crises (38% of the increase)

Improved Data: Fresh enrolment and attendance data from various countries have provided a more accurate, higher, count.

Specific Crises: Acute political and social crises have a direct impact. For example, the ban on girls' secondary education in Afghanistan since 2021 is a significant contributor to the increased numbers.

Updated Population Estimates (62% of the increase)

Demographic Changes: The model now uses the UN's 2024 World Population Prospects. This new data shows that the global population of school-age children (6-17 years) is 49 million higher than previously estimated.

Impact on Calculation: When the total population of children increases, and if enrolment does not keep pace, the number of out-of-school children automatically rises. The report's model distributes this population increase between in-school and out-of-school children, leading to a higher final count.

Recommendations by the Report

Addressing the global crisis requires a concerted and multi-pronged approach at both the global and national levels.

Improve Data Systems => Invest in robust and real-time data collection, especially in crisis-affected regions, to get a true picture of the problem and enable targeted interventions.

Increase and Target Funding => Governments must increase public spending on education. International aid must be directed towards countries with the largest out-of-school populations and focus on the most vulnerable groups.

Focus on Inclusive Policies => Policies must target girls, children with disabilities, refugees, and those in conflict zones. This includes cash transfers, school feeding programs, and creating safe learning environments.

Strengthen National Education Systems => Countries must implement comprehensive policies like India's NEP 2020 that focus not just on enrolment but also on retention, quality of teaching, and foundational learning.

Leverage Technology => Use technology to provide alternative learning pathways for those who cannot attend traditional schools, while actively working to bridge the digital divide.

Must Read Articles: 

Technology And The Challenge Of Equitable Education

The '3Cs' That Challenge Indian Education Today

Source: 

THE HINDU