Primary school years
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© UNICEF/EAP01873/YR |
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Hmong children going to school in Thailand |
Our region enjoys some of the highest primary school enrolment rates in the world. But that progress does not include all of our children. Nor does it ensure that children receive a good education. Primary school-aged children also continue to encounter numerous challenges that threaten their well-being and security.
- Millions denied right to education. Some 15 million of our region’s most vulnerable children are not being educated, including 6 million who have never enrolled in school. These include migrant and displaced children, ethnic minorities, children living in remote areas and those with a disability.
- Many children do not receive a quality education. Teachers might be poorly trained or didactic. Classrooms might be poorly designed and equipped. Schools might have dirty and broken latrines and contaminated water supplies. Curricula might be outdated.
- Injury is a leading cause of death and disability among children. Most countries in our region do not have a culture of safety. Whole families pile onto motorcycles, without helmets. Traffic rules are routinely ignored and poorly enforced. Swimming pools are not fenced off or staffed by lifeguards.
