Education is a fundamental right for every child, but unfortunately, there are still millions of children who are being deprived of this right, especially those belonging to vulnerable communities and families. While some barriers like lack of access to schools and extreme poverty are easily identifiable, it is important to recognize that discrimination based on gender, religion, and language also plays a significant role in keeping countless children away from education.
Barrier 1: Lack of Funding for Education Financial struggles pose a significant barrier, preventing children worldwide from accessing education. Insufficient schools, perilous journeys to distant learning centers, and inadequate materials contribute to the deprivation of millions of children’s right to education.
Barrier 2: Poverty and Inequality Education rarely comes free, making it an unattainable luxury for many families. School fees, uniforms, and supplies create insurmountable financial obstacles, perpetuating the cycle of poverty. The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbates inequality, further excluding children from education.
Barrier 3: Child Labor Extreme poverty forces children into labor, hampering their chances at education. Over 160 million children engage in work, with 79 million exposed to hazardous conditions. Forced labor, including debt bondage and child soldiers, adds to the grim statistics, highlighting the interconnection of poverty and education.
Barrier 4: Early Marriage and Pregnancy Child marriage remains prevalent, hindering millions of girls from pursuing education. With 12 million forced marriages annually and 18.5 million adolescent pregnancies, the impact on education is substantial. Completing elementary and secondary school emerges as a powerful deterrent against early marriages.
Barrier 5: Discrimination Discrimination based on gender, ethnicity, religion, or language sidelines numerous children from education. In some regions, language barriers impede access to schools, perpetuating inequality. Developed countries also face discrimination issues, with administrative hurdles hindering marginalized children’s education.
Barrier 6: Handicap Nearly 240 million children with disabilities worldwide encounter heightened challenges in accessing education. Discrimination, lack of inclusive teaching methods, and inaccessible schools contribute to higher rates of absenteeism among children with disabilities. Developed nations also grapple with this issue.
Barrier 7: Violence and Conflict Conflict-ridden countries witness the destruction of schools, military occupations, and deliberate attacks on education. In 2020 alone, over 2,400 attacks on schools were recorded. In crisis-affected countries, 128 million children, including 67 million girls, are out of school. Girls in conflict zones are 2.5 times more likely to be deprived of education.
Breaking down these barriers is crucial to ensure that every child enjoys the fundamental right to education. The journey towards global education equity requires collective efforts to dismantle these obstacles and pave the way for a brighter future.
About the Author
Meet Raveen Lamarka, the driving force behind Edulenza. As the Founder and CEO, his passion for revolutionizing online learning fuels his journey. Previously navigating tech and education realms, Raveen lamarka now leads Edulenza, crafting an immersive educational experience. When not reshaping education, he enjoys exploring new horizons and seeking inspiration. Join Raveen on the exciting journey of transforming education with Edulenza.
