UNITED NATIONS: The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (Unesco) has said it will cost $2.3 billion to send to school the 34 million children and adolescents of conflict–affected countries who are currently not attending educational institutions.

“Present targets are hugely insufficient and diverting attention from the true needs of children and youth on the ground,” said Aaron Benavot, Director of Unesco’s Education For All Global Monitoring Report (EFAGM).

For primary education, Mr Benavot said, an extra $38 is needed per child in conflict situations, and $113 is needed per adolescent in lower secondary education.

“Surely we can find these funds,” he said. “Most of us carry the cost for one child in our pocket.”

Published in Dawn, June 30th, 2015

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