Leave No Learner Behind: Sanjeev Mansotra on the Challenges and Opportunities for Education after COVID19.

The COVID19 pandemic has brought forward how important equitable education and training is. As schools around the world transitioned to remote learning in the wake of lockdowns and closures, the challenges to connectivity and access to learning in Africa became strongly noticeable. Fewer technical skills, access to computers and the internet prevent African students from effectively continuing their education and acquiring the necessary skills to find a job in today’s labor market.

The COVID19 Effect

Adverse effects from global crises such as the COVID19 pandemic lead to learning loss because of the disruption to the school system. Seeing the importance and pivotal role of governments, public intervention, and private sector aid in closing gaps and inequity in the education system. COVID-19 has drawn urgent attention to reversing learning losses, promoting vocational training, and enhancing workforce development. This also increased the challenge of providing learning materials and training for students across all levels.

Opportunities for Improvement

These challenges have highlighted several areas that give relevant parties opportunities for support and improvement. Mr. Sanjeev Mansotra sees the following opportunities for education in the wake of the COVID19 pandemic that is currently affecting our planet:

• Build and promote a reliable eLearning infrastructure to promote lifelong learning. This would help give more access to children in rural areas and increase technology skills.
• Create and develop inclusive learning programs and content to promote social cohesion.
• Develop Learn-From-Home modules for vocational programs that allow learners to continue their training programs despite lockdowns or any other disruptions.
• Work-study apprenticeship skills development and opportunities to support on-the-job trainings.
• New collaborations between the public and private sectors and the civil society to foster innovative financing for educational development.

The Bottomline

Crises like the COVID19 pandemic presents challenges but also exposes areas in society that need improvement. Mr. Sanjeev Mansotra believes that no child should be left behind, and that at the core of the development of a society are equal opportunities for education and employment.