SDG 4: Quality Education aims to ensure inclusive and quality education for all and promote lifelong learning. Education is key to escaping poverty and helps create more peaceful and inclusive societies. Significant progress has been made with greater access to education and increased school enrollment rates, particularly for girls.
Before the pandemic, 773 million adults and young people still lacked rudimentary literacy skills. During the pandemic, 90 percent of all students were taken out of school, and many of the existing adult literacy programs were suspended, setting back years of progress. COVID-19 has accelerated the uptake and use of digital solutions (UNCTAD). However, it has also highlighted the digital gap between the connected and the unconnected. Many schools have moved to online learning since the pandemic. However, half of all students currently out of the classroom- nearly 830 million learners- do not have access to a computer, while almost 40 percent have no access to the internet at home (UNESCO).
Equal access to quality education should always be a priority. Education is a crucial factor in upward socioeconomic mobility and creating a better and just future for our world.
Follow the link below more information on SDG 4 and the impact of COVID-19.
Education – United Nations Sustainable Development
Follow the link to see how The Salvation Army is continuing to provide services and resources to students through its schools and other services during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Salvation Army International - COVID-19 – Coronavirus news, updates and resources
Impact of COVID-19
General information about SDG 4