1. Access to Education

Challenge: Millions of children and adults around the world still lack access to basic education.

• Fact: According to UNESCO, 258 million children and youth are out of school globally.
• Example: In sub-Saharan Africa, over one-fifth of children between the ages of 6 and 11 are out of school, and this number increases to one-third for adolescents aged 12 to 14.

2. Quality of Education

Challenge: Even when students are in school, the quality of education they receive is often substandard.

• Fact: An estimated 617 million children and adolescents worldwide are not achieving minimum proficiency levels in reading and mathematics.
• Example: In many low-income countries, classrooms are overcrowded, teachers are underqualified, and educational materials are scarce, leading to poor learning outcomes.

3. Gender Inequality

Challenge: Gender disparities in education persist, with girls and women often facing greater barriers.

• Fact: Globally, 129 million girls are out of school, including 32 million of primary school age, 30 million of lower-secondary school age, and 67 million of upper-secondary school age.
• Example: In some regions, cultural norms and practices, such as child marriage and gender-based violence, prevent girls from attending school.

4. Impact of Conflicts and Crises

Challenge: Conflicts, natural disasters, and other crises disrupt education and disproportionately affect vulnerable populations.

• Fact: About 35% of out-of-school children of primary school age live in conflict-affected areas.
• Example: The Syrian civil war has displaced millions of children, many of whom have had their education interrupted or completely halted.

5. Technological Divide

Challenge: The digital divide exacerbates educational inequalities, particularly in the context of remote learning.

• Fact: Nearly half of the world’s population lacks access to the internet, limiting their ability to participate in online education.
• Example: During the COVID-19 pandemic, students in rural and low-income areas struggled to access remote learning due to a lack of internet connectivity and digital devices.

6. Early Childhood Education

Challenge: Access to early childhood education is limited, especially in low- and middle-income countries.

• Fact: Globally, only 50% of children between the ages of 3 and 6 are enrolled in pre-primary education.
• Example: In many developing countries, early childhood education programs are underfunded and understaffed, affecting the developmental and educational outcomes of young children.

7. Inclusive Education

Challenge: Children with disabilities often face significant barriers to education.

• Fact: An estimated 93 million children worldwide live with disabilities, and many do not have access to quality education.
• Example: Schools may lack the necessary infrastructure, trained staff, and resources to accommodate children with disabilities, resulting in their exclusion from mainstream education.

8. Financial Barriers

Challenge: The cost of education remains a significant barrier for many families.

• Fact: In low-income countries, the cost of schooling can account for up to 40% of a household’s income.
• Example: School fees, uniforms, textbooks, and other associated costs can be prohibitively expensive for low-income families, leading to high dropout rates.