COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic caused major disruptions to education in Africa and worldwide, and in African countries, due to school closures. Many countries have made great strides in ensuring safe reopening of schools to stem the erosion of the gains made in access to equitable and quality education, escalation of risks to children’s mental and physical health and the long-term impact of loss of learning associated with school closures. This policy brief highlights the evidence of the policy and practice responses on school reopening.

The KIX Observatory has published its third synthesis report, “School Reopening in Africa during the COVID-19 Pandemic.” This report contributes to the KIX Observatory’s efforts to gather emerging evidence on education policy and practice responses to COVID-19 in Africa.

From the onset of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, it was clear that countries, including their education sectors, were not prepared. Governments continue to try to get ahead of the virus and its varying mutations, however managing and understanding COVID-19 remains an uphill battle for scientists and policymakers alike. 

As we celebrate World Youth Skills Day, it is worth taking stock of the priority skills of young Africans in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic and how this sector could be rethought and adapted to ensure better resilience to future crises.​