The Basic Education Coalition (BEC) thanks Congressman Mike Quigley (D-IL), Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA), and Congresswoman Nita Lowey (D-NY) for encouraging USAID to include education and distance learning opportunities for the 1.5 billion students whose education has been disrupted in the multi-sector international response to the COVID-19 outbreak.
The consequences of protracted school closures around the world are undeniable. In addition to the loss of instructional time, school closures can negatively affect children’s mental and physical health, nutrition, and well-being. Timely U.S. foreign assistance efforts can mitigate these risks by providing innovative solutions to support the continued development and education of children and youth in need of assistance.
Read the full letter here.
“While these school closures are necessary to reduce the spread of the virus, USAID must take immediate action, so no child’s education is stalled during these difficult and challenging times, parents and teachers need access to online tools and resources to continue educating all children, including those with disabilities, while their schools are closed for the unforeseeable future.”
“Education is one of the most important tools for success in our world. During these uncertain times, we must do whatever we can to protect basic education and learning however we can. Distance learning must be prioritized to help provide quality education to our children. I am proud to partner with my colleagues to fight for this critical service.”
“We must work together to limit the permanent impacts of this pandemic on our children. Supporting distance learning for the 1.5 billion children and youth whose instruction has been suspended as a result of the spread of COVID-19 would be not only a long-term investment in the global economy but also a critical investment in the health and well-being of families around the world. Time and time again we have seen the devastating effects interrupted learning and the loss of instruction time can have on a student’s mental and physical health. It is critical USAID include distance learning in its multi-sector response to COVID-19.”
“We’ve learned from past outbreaks that continued education and distance learning can help children and families cope with the disruption to their daily lives. Including education in USAID’s multi-sector strategic response to COVID-19 will ensure that international education programs provide learning opportunities for vulnerable children and youth who now face a heightened risk of delayed development, exploitation, and drop out. ”
“Innovative approaches to distance learning should be a vital component of our international response to COVID-19. The needs of children and youth are an absolute priority in this time of unprecedented school closures around the world.”
The Basic Education Coalition is a group of leading U.S.-based organizations and academic institutions working together to promote global peace and prosperity through education.