The covid-19 pandemic has had an unprecedented effect on education around the world, it is the largest interruption of schooling in history with 1.5 billion students out of school across 190 countries.
The missions of our EQU+ and Buddha Smiles programs were well aligned during the pandemic, ensuring, against all odds, that students continued to stay engaged in their education. Students enrolled in these programs are children of largely illiterate laborers, often first generation learners, who without support would likely not progress past primary school. The COVID-19 pandemic has made the need for support and encouragement to stay in school even more urgent and these marginalized communities are at the highest risk of dropping out after a disruption like this one.
Lotus Outreach’s ongoing efforts are ensuring the wellbeing of thousands of children living in poverty across the country. Our continued support before, during, and after the pandemic is imperative.