Question : Which of the following statement is correct regarding early childhood education ?
(a) 22 million children from South Asian countries, including India, have missed out on early childhood education in their critical pre-school year due to coronavirus outbreak
(b) At least 40 million children worldwide, of which nearly 22 million are from South Asia, have missed out on early childhood education in their critical pre-school year as COVID-19 outbreak
(c) Both (a) and (b) are correct
(d) None of the above
Answer (c)
Related facts
- Nearly 22 million children from South Asian countries, including India, have missed out on early childhood education in their critical pre-school year due to coronavirus outbreak, according to a new research by UNICEF.
- The research brief released on July looks at the state of childcare and early childhood education globally and includes an analysis of the impact of widespread COVID-19 closure of vital family services.
- In the South Asia region, the United Nations International Children’s Fund (UNICEF) covered Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, the Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka for the research.
- Children are among the hardest hit by the COVID-19 pandemic in South Asia. Prolonged school closure and limited access to distant learning have deprived children of their universal right to education.
- At least 40 million children worldwide, of which nearly 22 million are from South Asia, have missed out on early childhood education in their critical pre-school year as COVID-19 shuttered childcare and early education facilities.
- Lack of childcare and early education options also leave many parents, particularly mothers working in the informal sector, with no choice but to bring their young children to work, the report based on the research said.
By – Pankaj Pandey