Children across the world need support

MANY children in the UK are unlikely to return to school until September; that’s nearly six months without setting foot in a classroom since lockdown began.

Students are already concerned about the impact coronavirus is having on their education; our recent study found that 61% of girls in education in London feel they are learning less during lockdown, while 64% feel anxious about their ability to get the exam results they are aiming for when they are able to sit their exams.

While lockdown learning has unquestionably proved challenging for children and families in the UK, the implications for those living in developing countries – where access to quality education and resources were already limited – are even more serious.

With schools being forced to close around the world, we’ve been able to keep children learning - from broadcasting lessons on TV and radio in Cameroon and Ghana, to creating online learning platforms in Guinea and Senegal – thanks to our supporters, including People’s Postcode Lottery players and donors, across the country.

As coronavirus spreads across the developing world, these vulnerable children need our support now more than ever – that’s why our Children’s Emergency Appeal will continue to be our main focus over the coming months.

To find out more, visit www. plan-uk.org/coronavirus

Bethan Lewis Head of disaster risk management Plan International UK