KABUL - Nearly three-quarters of children in Afghanistan simply want to go back to school and play with their friends, according to a survey by Save the Children.
With schools in Afghanistan closed since 14 March to mitigate the spread of COVID-19, approximately 10 million children have had their education interrupted and many without access to alternative learning options, such as lessons delivered through television and radio, the aid agency said.
“While many countries seem to be bringing COVID-19 under control, the situation in Afghanistan is worsening. It is reported that the pandemic has yet to peak and the country remains worryingly unprepared to cope,” Milan Dinic, Save the Children’s Afghanistan Country Director, said. “The indirect impacts of COVID-19 on the lives of millions of children in Afghanistan cannot be ignored. Ten million have had their education interrupted while they see their parents and neighbours, struggling to cope with job losses and soaring food prices.”
He added: “Support is urgently needed across all areas– from income support for families to alternative education options for children. COVID-19 is not going anywhere anytime soon, and we need to be prepared for a new normal in Afghanistan.” (1TV NEWS)