Although most of Latin American and Caribbean nations have gradually reopened schools, only half of children are back to schools, UNICEF reported.

In at least five nations in that area, only a small number of schools were back in operation and less than 25% of students were able to resume in-person learning.

“While schools remain closed, the future of children and adolescents in the region, especially the most vulnerable, is at stake,” warned the UNICEF Regional Education Advisor for Latin America and the Caribbean Italo Dutra.

In many Latin American and Caribbean countries, school period ends in December and minors now face nearly two years lost with their teachers and classmates, jeopardizing their right to learn, Dutra stressed.

UNICEF is currently working with the educational authorities of different states to guarantee that all children and adolescents return to schools, where they can access services to recover lost learning and support their psychosocial well-being.

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