It is projected that official development assistance (ODA) for education fall for $ 3.2 billion – A 24 percent drop since 2023, with only three donor governments that represent almost 80 percent of the cuts.
Such decline would do it Push the number of children outside the school worldwide from 272 million to 278 millionUNICEF said: the equivalent of closing all primary schools in Germany and Italy combined.
“Each education cuts of education is not just a budgetary decision, it is a future of a child in balance,” said UNICEF executive director Catherine Russell.
Children in crisis hit the hardest
The greatest impact on regions that are already vulnerable is expected. Western and central Africa could see 1.9 million children lose access to school, while 1.4 million more could be expelled in the Middle East and Africa of the North.
In total, 28 countries can lose at least a quarter of the educational aid they trust. Côte d’IVorire and Mali face some of the most pronounced risks, with the projected registration to fall at 340,000 and 180,000 students respectively.
Primary education will be more affected, and funds are expected to decrease by a third. UNICEF warns that this could deepen the global learning crisis and cost those children affected to an estimated $ 164 billion in lost profits for life.
In humanitarian contexts, cuts could be devastating. In the response of Rohingya refugees, 350,000 children are at risk of permanent access to basic education.
Children displaced in a classroom in Baghdad, Iraq.
Called to protect education
The crisis will also threaten vital services. School feeding programs, sometimes a child’s only reliable food could see financing in half, while support for girls’ education is likely to be reduced. At least 290 million children who remain in classrooms could also face a decrease in learning quality.
UNICEF is asking donors to direct at least half of all educational aid to less developed countriessafeguard humanitarian funds and prioritize the first years and primary school. It also urges reforms to make financing more efficient and sustainable.
“Education, especially in emergency environments, often serves as a lifeguard,” Russell said. “Investing in Early Childhood Education is one of the best investments in the future, for all.”