Courage to spark change.

The year 2023 underscored the continued education crisis. 250 million children are still out of school. This is an increase of 6 million since 2021—accounting for 16% of the primary to upper secondary age group. With the lingering impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the growing learning poverty rate, the world is off track to achieve SDG 4 on Quality Education. Globally, 70% of 10-year-olds cannot read a simple text or do basic math.

While significant progress has been made in increasing access to education, socioeconomic disparities persist in participation and attainment. Marginalized children, especially in sub-Saharan Africa and conflict-affected regions, face the most severe barriers. The digital divide is also growing, and most school-aged children lack internet access at home. The rising learning poverty at the halfway point to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) – due in 2030 – highlights the urgent need for greater action.

In response to the growing learning crisis in 2023, UNICEF spent USD 1.7 billion to support education, including USD 525.8 million directed to emergency responses. These funds supported crucial initiatives, including improving school infrastructure, providing learning materials, and training teachers to address foundational literacy and numeracy gaps. UNICEF, together with partners, worked across 144 countries to ensure access to education.

Despite a year marked by an increasing number of crises and learning inequalities, UNICEF’s commitment, supported by partners like Ahlström Collective Impact, continued to equip millions of children with the skills needed to thrive in an increasingly challenging world.

In 2022, the global education landscape saw a shift from an emergency state towards recovery as nationwide school closures were lifted, allowing in-person learning to resume worldwide. Nevertheless, the adverse effects of these closures on children’s well-being, including health, nutrition, mental health, and protection against various challenges, persisted, with marginalized groups like girls, children with disabilities, and minorities bearing the brunt. Multiple conflicts and emergencies further complicated the educational journey. UNICEF, in collaboration with partners, continued its mission to provide quality education services in challenging circumstances. Despite substantial efforts, learning poverty continued to increase, with over two-thirds of 10-year-olds in low- and middle-income countries unable to read. UNICEF allocated significant funds to address this crisis, including education in emergencies. The commitment of partners like Ahlström Collective Impact allowed UNICEF to reach millions of children and support their growth and development.

Education’s critical role in reducing inequality, poverty, and societal stability was emphasized, as it contributes to sustainable development and lifelong learning skills. UNICEF focused on helping children return to school and improve foundational skills, working closely with governments to enhance education systems, promote inclusion, and gender equity. UNICEF’s dedicated efforts in 2022 aimed to equip children with skills for life, work, and learning, with a workforce deployed to regions, countries, and remote areas where needs are greatest. Ahlström Collective Impact provided significant support to UNICEF’s Global Education Program in 2022. This report summarizes UNICEF’s collaborative efforts in 2022 to advance children’s education.

The pandemic brought education systems across the world to a halt, with school closures affecting more than 1.6 billion learners at its peak, including 167 million younger children who lost access to early childhood education. Learning losses are substantial, with the most marginalized children and youth disproportionately affected.

In 2021, the COVID-19 pandemic continued to disrupt education for millions of children. Education plays a key role in reducing inequality, cutting poverty rates, and strengthening societal stability. It contributes to a better society and sustainable development. Without skills for a lifelong learning and active citizenship, children face greater barriers for earning potential and employment later in life.

UNICEF works around the world to support quality learning for every child. UNICEF’s aim is to ensure that every child and adolescent has access to school and quality learning.

In 2021 Ahlström Collective Impact supported UNICEF’s Global Education Program adn could therefore help to offer thousands of children around the world:

• An equitable access to quality education.
• Improved learning outcomes.
• Skills development for knowledge and skills to face an ever-changing world.

This report summarizes some of the key results on how UNICEF together with its partners, worked for children’s education in 2021.