COVID-19 Learning Losses: Rebuilding Quality Learning for All in MENA

The COVID-19 pandemic and associated disruptions to teaching and learning pose a serious threat to approximately 110 million students from pre-primary to higher education in the Middle East and North Africa Region. Even before the pandemic, an estimated 15 million children in the region between the ages of 5-14 were out of school and nearly two-thirds of children in the region were unable to read with proficiency by the age of 10. An entire generation of children is estimated to have been affected by this unprecedented disruption, with potential long-term impacts, including on mental health, well-being, socialization, and employment prospects.

A joint regional report was prepared by a team from the World Bank, UNICEF, and UNESCO, with contributions from UNHCR and UNRWA, under the title: "COVID-19 Learning Losses: Rebuilding Quality Learning for All in MENA".
It will be launched virtually will take place on 7 December, 8:00 – 9:30 am EST (3:00 pm – 4:30 pm GMT+2).  

The report presents:

• Country responses to mitigate COVID-19’s impact on education;
• Simulation of the impact of COVID-19 on learning outcomes; and
• Recommendations for mitigation of learning loss and ensuring learning for all in MENA in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The event will feature expert panelists from across the region who will discuss the findings in the report and the actions that governments can take to help recover learning losses and ensure quality education for all.