English
The coronavirus was the main reason for the school closure in more than a hundred countries.
Due to the coronavirus pandemic, millions of schoolchildren were transferred to homeschooling. However, in reality, many are not able to study - they just don't have a computer.
A huge number of children don't have the possibility to attend their schools. Many kids were transferred to an online learning format, but it turned out to be ineffective. A vast number of children don't own devices that would provide them with a reliable Internet connection and good communication.
According to UNESCO, not all countries turned out to be equally ready for a complete transition to online learning. It's not just children, who lack computers, but their teachers as well. Many people don't have the Internet at home, as well as the ability to get it.
Digital inequality can be seen especially in underdeveloped and low-income countries. For example, in Africa, 80% of students do not have a personal computer that they could use regularly for studies. Approximately 56 million children live in areas without cellular networks.
The Director-General of UNESCO, Audre Azoulay suggested a solution. She recommends that teachers would use alternative means of communication, such as television channels and local radio stations. This will help more students get access to knowledge.
Today, due to the pandemic, more than a billion students don't go to school. About 60 million schoolteachers still don't work. UNESCO notes that distance learning is a challenge not just for children, but for teachers as well. Most of them need professional training to be able to provide effective online education.
