UNICEF: 44% of Afghan children out of school

“The ongoing conflict and worsening security situation across the country – combined with deeply engrained poverty and discrimination against girls – have pushed the rate of out-of-school children up for the first time since 2002 levels,” the UNICEF reported.

“Business as usual is not an option for Afghanistan if we are to fulfil the right to education for
every child,” Adele Khodr, the UNICEF Afghanistan Representative was quoted as saying.

“When children are not in school, they are at an increased danger of abuse, exploitation and recruitment,” she added.

She appreciated the Government of Afghanistan for prioritizing and declaring the year 2018 as the year of education.

”Now is the time for a renewed commitment to provide girls and boys with the relevant learning opportunities they need to progress in life and to play a positive role in society,” Khodr reiterated.

She went on to say that “Getting girls and boys into school is so much more than sitting in class.”

“It’s about providing routine and stability in life, which is a wise investment given the insecurity across parts of the country,” she added.