dw.com
15,000 Schools Closed in West, Central Africa Due to Insecurity: Over 3 Million Children Affected
A UN report reveals that nearly 15,000 schools have closed in West and Central Africa due to insecurity, affecting over 3 million children, with Nigeria and Cameroon particularly impacted, and experts suggesting the actual number could be far higher.
- What is the immediate impact of school closures in West and Central Africa due to insecurity?
- The closure of nearly 15,000 schools has disrupted the education of over 3 million children, with experts estimating the actual number may be over 5 million. This disrupts their future prospects and exacerbates existing poverty in the region.
- How does the ongoing insecurity in the region affect school attendance and the broader education system?
- Insecurity leads to families keeping children home out of fear of kidnapping or violence, and teachers are leaving conflict zones. This results in long-term school closures, especially in areas previously affected by conflicts like Boko Haram insurgency, leaving many children permanently out of the education system.
- What long-term solutions are proposed to address the educational crisis caused by insecurity in the region?
- Experts suggest re-implementing the Education and Emergency Plan used during COVID-19, which includes virtual learning technologies and supports traditional methods in crisis situations. This requires sustained government commitment and funding to ensure consistent educational access even in conflict-prone areas.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The article presents a balanced view of the school closures in West and Central Africa, highlighting the severity of the issue and the various perspectives involved. While it focuses on Nigeria and Cameroon, it also mentions Ghana to provide a broader regional context. The inclusion of multiple voices—a social worker, youth leader, teacher, and think tank executive—helps to present a comprehensive picture. However, the article's structure, by starting with the overall impact and then delving into specifics, might unintentionally emphasize the scale of the problem before fully exploring the nuances of the situation.
Language Bias
The language used is generally neutral and objective. Terms like "insecurity" and "conflict" are factual descriptors. The use of quotes from various experts avoids editorial bias. While phrases like "devastating effects" and "dire need" carry some emotional weight, they are contextually appropriate and support the gravity of the situation.
Bias by Omission
The article could benefit from including more data on government spending allocated to education in the affected regions, and details about the specific types of support provided to displaced students and their families. Additionally, exploring initiatives aimed at providing psychosocial support to children affected by conflict and displacement would provide a more comprehensive picture of the response to the crisis. While space constraints might have necessitated some omissions, adding these details would enhance the understanding of the issue's complexity.
Sustainable Development Goals
The article directly addresses the negative impact of insecurity and conflict on the quality of education in West and Central Africa. It highlights the closure of thousands of schools, displacement of millions of children, and disruption of education for years. The quotes from various experts underscore the severity of the situation and its long-term consequences, aligning directly with SDG 4 (Quality Education) which aims to 'ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all'.