Education during the COVID-19 pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a major impact on the education of Caribbean students and is threatening to reverse progress made on Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4, which focuses on achieving quality education that is inclusive and equitable, and on securing lifelong learning opportunities for all. Nearly 12 million learners in 29 Caribbean countries have been affected by the closure of education facilities from March 2020 onwards, and children from low income or unstable households feel the impact most deeply as separation from peers and the supportive environment that school provides has further exacerbated educational disparities. Delivering schooling in pandemic conditions has also affected education professionals and increased risks to their health and mental well-being. 

This report assesses the impact on students and educators of sustaining schooling during the pandemic.  It also considers the lessons that innovative responses to pandemic schooling conditions offer for post COVID-19 recovery and rebuilding.