Child Rights Organizations in BiH Appeal: Let's Return All Children to Schools!

(Patria) - A group of child rights organizations in BiH, comprising Save the Children, World Vision BiH, SOS Children's Villages, Hope and Homes for Children, and the Stronger Voice for Children Network, are appealing to the Ministry of Education and Science of Sarajevo Canton, as well as the relevant crisis headquarters, to consider opening educational institutions at full capacity, while respecting all epidemiological measures and school protocols.

"While we are concerned about the impact of various restrictive measures on the quality of children's education across BiH, we are particularly concerned about the situation in Sarajevo Canton. Specifically in Sarajevo Canton, in a situation where the epidemiological measures of the competent authorities allow the operation of all economic entities, public transport, preschool institutions, sports schools, and even primary and secondary schools at partial capacity, we believe there is no justifiable reason not to introduce a reciprocal measure for the older grades of primary school, as well as for all grades of secondary school. In times of crisis, as well as in normal circumstances, access to quality education for every child must remain our main priority," the appeal addressed to the competent institutions states.

The appeal is supported by research findings conducted during the pandemic by Save the Children, World Vision BiH, and UNICEF, whose results indicate the negative consequences that absence from school has on girls and boys worldwide. Save the Children's global study "The Impact of the Covid-19 Pandemic on Children," which included 25,000 children and parents worldwide, including children from countries in our region, showed that four out of five children feel they learn little or not at all while out of school.

The latest World Vision International global study "COVID-19 and Children," conducted in 12 countries in the region, consulted children from BiH communities and, specifically, Sarajevo Canton. The findings from consultations with children are alarming, revealing that as many as 87% of children are concerned about the quality of education they are receiving under pandemic conditions. While over 50% of girls and boys face technical difficulties accessing and the quality of online classes, a third of them are very concerned about the lack of contact and social isolation from school friends in the context of distance learning, according to the World Vision International study. The study "Assessment of the Impact of COVID-19 on Society in Bosnia and Herzegovina: Household Survey," conducted by UNICEF and UNDP, provides insight into the effects of changes in the education system and the transition to online classes on various households, as well as the most common problems and challenges.

A significant problem was identified in households with children under 18 years of age (21%) due to parents' inability (due to lack of time and/or knowledge) to help children understand teaching materials.

"All these findings confirm that school is not just a place for learning; it is a place where children socialize in a safe environment. Attending classes represents an important routine and form of physical activity, and definitely means less time spent in front of screens," the letter addressed to the Ministry and competent authorities states.