Official Development Assistance (ODA) for education is expected to decrease by $3.2 billion – a 24 percent reduction from 2023 – with nearly 80 percent of the cuts coming from just three donor governments.
This decline could increase the number of out-of-school children globally from 272 million to 278 million, according to UNICEF – equivalent to closing every primary school in Germany and Italy combined.
“Every dollar cut from education is not just a budgetary decision, it’s a child’s future hanging in the balance,” said UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell.
Children in crisis hit hardest
The most significant impact is anticipated in already vulnerable regions. West and Central Africa could see 1.9 million children lose access to school, while 1.4 million more might be affected in the Middle East and North Africa.
Overall, 28 countries may lose at least a quarter of the education aid they depend on. Côte d’Ivoire and Mali face severe risks, with enrollments predicted to drop by 340,000 and 180,000 students respectively.
Primary education will suffer most, with funding likely to decrease by one-third. UNICEF warns this could exacerbate the global learning crisis and potentially cost affected children $164 billion in lost lifetime earnings.
In humanitarian contexts, the cuts could be devastating. In the Rohingya refugee response, 350,000 children risk losing permanent access to basic schooling.
Displaced children in a classroom in Baghdad, Iraq.
Call to protect education
The crisis will also jeopardize vital services. School feeding programs – often a child’s only reliable meal – could see funding cut in half, while support for girls’ education is likely to decrease. At least 290 million children who remain in classrooms could experience a decline in learning quality.
UNICEF is urging donors to allocate at least half of all education aid to least developed countries, protect humanitarian funding, and prioritize early years and primary education. It also calls for reforms to enhance financing efficiency and sustainability.
“Education, especially in emergency settings, often serves as a lifeline,” Ms. Russell said. “Investing in children’s education is one of the best investments in the future – for everyone.”
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