How can we ensure ‘education for all’ during a pandemic or social crises?

In this post, I spotlight the need to rethink and build resilient education systems.



While the COVID-19 pandemic spread was new and intense, the personnel and physical infrastructure provided by formal institutions of learning for many preschoolers were locked down.

 

There was a shift to household personnel and infrastructure for learning; thus, emphasizing the role of parents and home-based caregivers in the education process.

 

Children of the poor, who tend to have limited access to internet for remoted learning, were left behind. Also, children of middle class parents, with remote work responsibilities, may have been sentenced to excessive daily screen time.

 

With the absence of home-based learning solutions for early childhood education, 'education for all' may remain elusive.

 

To build resilient education systems, we need to find answers to questions such as:

  • ·      How can informal learning options such as structured homeschooling be encouraged during pandemics or social crises?

  • ·         What roles are there for civil society organisations, faith-based organisations and public policy in enhancing home-based education infrastructure in underdeveloped economies?

 

What do you think?

Please feel free to share your thoughts in the comments section below. Thank you!

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