A new report released by Education Cannot Wait (ECW) reveals that 258 million school-aged children and adolescents worldwide are facing disruptions to their education as a result of crises, up from 234 million in 2025. Of these, 93 million are currently out of school.
Behind these numbers are millions of children whose learning has been interrupted by conflict, displacement, climate-related disasters and other emergencies. For many, school is more than a place of learning. It provides safety, stability, psychosocial support and hope during times of uncertainty.
As crises become more frequent, prolonged and interconnected, ensuring access to quality education is both a fundamental right and an urgent humanitarian priority.
With 258 million school-aged children now affected by crises worldwide, the need for education before, during and after emergencies continues to grow while funding is under increasing pressure. This widening gap underscores the urgency of investing in resilient education systems that can withstand shocks, safeguard learning and support recovery for affected learners and communities.
Qun ChenAssistant Director-General for Education, UNESCO
With support from donors including Education Cannot Wait, UNESCO works with communities, teachers, local partners, governments and UN agencies to ensure that children can continue learning in the face of crises, while laying the foundation for recovery and peace.
UNESCO supports education before, during and after crises through six pillars of action:
- Monitoring and assessing the state of education;
- Ensuring learning continues in safe and inclusive environments;
- Equipping youth with skills for sustainable livelihoods;
- Empowering teachers as main responders;
- Restoring and rehabilitating educational facilities; and
- Strengthening education systems for long-term resilience and peace.
With millions of children facing loss of learning, hope and opportunities, sustained investment and resilient financing in education is essential.
read more: https://www.unesco.org/en/articles/crises-grow-unesco-advances-efforts-keep-every-child-learning?hub=701
