DUBAI – The opportunities available in education in times of crisis, particularly in areas hit by school closures and with a lack of access to technology, were discussed at length as part of the latest Outlier Series session, held at the Women’s Pavilion in collaboration with UNESCO on Monday, 13 December.
The session, titled ‘UNESCO: Societies & Policy: The Opportunity to Thrive: Creating Access to Education in the Midst of Crises’ was held on the second day of Expo’s Knowledge and Learning Week. Global policies and challenges presented by the recent pandemic were among the topics debated by a panel moderated by Aashti Zaidi Hai, Chief Executive Officer of Global Schools Forum, and featuring Rebecca Telford, UNHCR’s Chief of Education; Emtithal Mahmoud, UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador; and Muzoon Almellehan, an education activist and UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador, who attended the session virtually.
The challenges for school students during the recent pandemic were discussed, as well as the hope of enabling all children to be able to learn remotely.
On this issue, Emtithal Mahmoud said: “Education begins at home with the mother, who was the person most impacted during the pandemic. In Sudan, while schools were closed for three months, families had to make a more active contribution to students’ education, with often limited resources.
“Girls’ education, particularly, is the key to creating a better future for society, and this was highlighted over the past year. So we do not need science merely to survive; we need science to survive and thrive.”
Muzoon Almellehan said: “Education changed my entire life. My circumstances meant I cherished the opportunity to go to school, and I would surround myself with books. Eventually, I overcame all of my challenges, and I realise it was thanks to my education. More importantly, continuing my education meant I could help others to get access to education as well. Without education, there is no hope for a better future. My advice to every girl is to take advantage of any opportunity to pursue education as a great way to shape their character.
“We must also take note that, even before the pandemic outbreak, many children in many countries didn’t have access to a place to learn or materials to study. Many still don’t have the technology and tools that enable them to learn remotely, and particular attention must be given to them.”
Caitlyn Barron said: “Problems and solutions create the roadmap for those who want to learn. The pandemic has created a common global culture where we all had the same information at the same time. After the schools reopened, we went back to books and traditional means of education, and more than ever we appreciate the importance of schools and the roles of teachers, but especially the innovative methods of education.”
Knowledge and Learning Week at Expo runs until 18 December.