Prioritizing education in the Global Humanitarian Response Plan
The closure of schools is not only preventing children from learning and enjoying all the other benefits that education provides, but it is also exposing children to increased risks including abuse, child labour, early marriage, trafficking, health, and malnutrition, as well as putting households under more stress. In this crisis, education is not only about learning but also about managing, protecting and mitigating risks of children and their communities. The secondary impact of COVID-19 risks threatening children and their communities more than the disease itself. Education should be explicitly listed as a priority in all revised Humanitarian Response Plans and response strategies.