New Delhi, 14 November
UNICEF India unveiled the setting up of a symbolic ‘epidemic classroom’ in the national capital to mark Children’s Day on the Sunday ahead of World Children’s Day on November 20 and called for immediate action to support learning.
Empty rows of desks and chairs and unused backpacks were set up to draw attention to the plight of millions of young children who have missed school for more than a year due to the pandemic’s shutdown and the consequent lack of learning. experienced loss.
UNICEF India representative Yasumasa Kimura unveiled the installation by ringing the school bell.
“Each empty desk in this symbolic pandemic classroom is dedicated to the millions of children who have faced learning challenges. With each passing day, every child who misses out on learning lags behind in their development and many more. Can’t return to school. Unfortunately, the most vulnerable are paying the heaviest price for school closures and many forget to read or write,” Kimura said.
“The future of an entire generation is at stake. We call on parents to join hands with the school administration and government to safely reopen schools and support learning recovery programs to reach and benefit all children. Each of us has a role to play in improving learning recovery and opportunities for children in India,” he said. PTI