Peace Itong
There are indications that some children, especially in West Africa may not go back to school due to the ripple effect of the Covid 19 Pandemic on the economy.
According to a recent update by the International Labor Organization (ILO), between April – June 2020, the world lost almost 400 million full-time jobs due to the pandemic.
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Latest World Bank data shows unemployment caused by the crisis led by the COVID 19 has been the most poignant than any other crisis in history.
As a matter of fact, the unemployment caused by the Global Financial Crisis of 2008 led to an unemployment rate of 6% globally as compared to 7.2% of the unemployment rate caused by the coronavirus.
According to a recent survey conducted by the World Bank, at least 42% of people surveyed in Nigeria have reportedly lost their jobs during the coronavirus pandemic, while 79% reported a loss in income. The report claims that due to the COVID-19 outbreak, some five million people fell into poverty as the effects of the virus batters the West African country’s economy.
Every child has the right to free education as provided by the UN convention on the Rights of the child, thus, besides reopening schools, government should assist parents to send their children back to school.