UNICEF has created a powerful exhibit in New York City to draw attention to the staggering number of children worldwide who have not been able to attend school for nearly a year. As we near the one-year mark of remote learning, families around the globe are grappling with the implications of another year spent away from the classroom. UNICEF urges governments to take immediate action to prioritize the safe return of students to in-person education.
The installation, dubbed the “pandemic classroom,” features 168 empty desks and backpacks outside the United Nations, symbolizing the 168 million children whose education has been disrupted since March 2020. UNICEF’s social media message is poignant: “168 empty desks. 168 unused backpacks. 168 million futures hanging in the balance.” This display serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing global education crisis and calls on world leaders to spare no effort in reopening schools.
Henrietta Fore, UNICEF’s Executive Director, emphasizes the urgency of the situation: “We cannot afford to move into year two of limited or even no in-school learning for these children. No effort should be spared to keep schools open or prioritize them in reopening plans.” While UNICEF provides guidelines on how to safely reopen schools, the fragmented state policies across the U.S. leave many feeling disheartened. Critics have pointed out inconsistencies, such as indoor dining being allowed while schools remain closed.
Recent reports indicate that only 4% of school-age children reside in areas that meet CDC criteria for safe school reopening. However, there is some hope as vaccination efforts increase and COVID-19 cases decline. President Biden’s commitment to getting children back to school remains a priority, but many are still anxiously awaiting concrete actions to ensure all schools can safely reopen.
As we approach the significant one-year milestone of the pandemic, it is essential to recognize the profound educational emergency that has arisen. Each passing day further sidelines children from in-person learning, with marginalized communities bearing the brunt of the impact. In March 2020, few anticipated that we would still be facing these challenges today. The question remains: what will our leaders do to address this crisis?
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Summary:
UNICEF’s recent installation in New York City powerfully underscores the urgent need for the global community to prioritize the reopening of schools for the 168 million children affected by prolonged closures due to the COVID-19 pandemic. With a clear call to action, UNICEF highlights the importance of ensuring that all students have access to in-person education as the world continues to navigate the ongoing crisis.
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