There is no progress in reducing the number of children attending school. UNICEF

11.5 percent of schoolchildren or 123 million do not receive education. Comparing this figure to 12.8% or 135 million children in 2007 who were not attending school, it becomes clear that there is almost zero drop in the percentage of children aged 6-15 who do not attend school, UNICEF’s statement said.

UNICEF notes that the number of children not attending school as a result of widespread poverty, long-term conflicts and humanitarian crises has dramatically increased, while at the same time calling for the inclusion of vulnerable children in large-scale investment projects.

“Investments in increasing the number of schools and teachers parallel to the growth of the population are insufficient. The current approach will not help the most vulnerable children to attend school and reach their full potential as long as they continue to live in poverty, deprivation, and in a safe environment, “said Jo Bourne, UNICEF Education Director.

“Governments and the international community should first of all invest their children in eliminating the barriers to school, including making schools more secure and improving the quality of education”.

Children living in the poorest countries of the world and in conflict zones are most vulnerable. Of the 123 million non-school children, 40 percent live in less developed countries and 20 percent in conflict zones.

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