Children in the Eastern Caribbean recovering steadily from pandemic 'learning crisis'

Children in Dominica are eager to be back in the classroom after this year’s summer holidays. 

“I am excited to return to school to spend time with my friends, my teachers and all in all to have a good time during my five years here,” says Navaughndae, a form three student at the Arthur Waldron Seventh-Day Adventist Academy (AWSDAA). 

Since the COVID-19 pandemic, Navaughndae no longer takes the opportunity to sit in face to face classes for granted. He’s looking forward to taking classes in physics and geography for the first time. 

“I think it's important for me and my classmates to stay in school to have a good career… and we would be the best possible versions of ourselves.”

Form 5 student, Shawn is a member of the mathematics club at his school in the northern town of Portsmouth. 

“I truly believe it is important that my peers and I return to the classroom as it will be a great experience for us and will put us on a correct path for life,” said the science student. 

Despite the gains that have been made in education since the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, many children around the world are still unable to access foundational learning in reading and writing. 

A global U-Report poll released this year on the learning crisis has revealed: 

• Over one-third of participants do not think that their government is effectively responding to the learning crisis in their country; 
• Nearly 80% are concerned that the learning crisis could negatively impact the future of their country; and
• More than one-quarter did not feel they received enough help at school for basic skills to continue learning and secure a job after graduation

“Upon our return from the COVID-19 pandemic, there have been various changes such as the integration of information technology within our school work and of course I am now relieved that we are no longer required to wear masks and social distance,” Shawn concluded. 

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This story was written by Kareem Smith and originally published by UNICEF Eastern Caribbean.