UNESCO Reports Rise in Out-of-School Children Globally
Why this is here: The report notes Madagascar and Togo reduced the number of children not in school by 80% since 2000, showing improvements are possible despite global increases.
Roughly 273 million children and youth worldwide did not attend school in 2024. The number marks a seventh consecutive year of increases, according to a UNESCO report released Wednesday. UNESCO attributes this trend to crises, population growth, and reduced financial resources.
The rise is particularly pronounced in sub-Saharan Africa, driven by population increases. Conflicts also hinder educational efforts, with over one in six children living in conflict-affected areas. Regional tensions in the Middle East and North Africa caused numerous school closures.
UNESCO states there is no single solution to expand access to education. Local conditions require consideration, but mandatory schooling and laws against child labor have aided some countries.
School meals and electricity access correlate with increased school attendance in certain areas. Since 2000, Madagascar and Togo saw an 80% decrease in out-of-school children.