How many children worldwide are currently out of school?
I’m researching global educational access for a report, specifically seeking the most current, verified data on the total number of school-aged children (typically defined as primary and secondary education levels) globally who are currently not enrolled in any formal schooling system, including both those who have never attended and those who have dropped out. This figure is crucial for understanding progress toward Sustainable Development Goal 4 and highlighting barriers to universal education, particularly in conflict zones, areas of extreme poverty, or regions facing severe resource shortages. Could you provide the latest authoritative estimate, ideally from sources like UNESCO, UNICEF, or the World Bank, for the most recent year available?
As of the latest available data from UNESCO’s Institute for Statistics (UIS) and the Global Education Monitoring Report, approximately 244 million children and adolescents worldwide are out of school. This figure includes:
- 60 million children of primary school age (typically 6–11 years).
- 71 million adolescents of lower secondary school age (typically 12–14 years).
- 63 million adolescents of upper secondary school age (typically 15–18 years).
This total represents an increase from pre-pandemic levels, driven by factors such as conflicts, climate-related emergencies, poverty, and the long-term impacts of COVID-19 school closures. The data is based on statistics through 2022, reflecting the most comprehensive global assessment.
Key details:
- Regional breakdown: Sub-Saharan Africa accounts for nearly half (49%) of the out-of-school population, followed by Central and Southern Asia (27%).
- Gender disparities: Girls are disproportionately affected, particularly in conflict-affected regions, where they face barriers like child marriage, safety concerns, and lack of sanitation facilities.
- Target group: This encompasses all children and youth in the official age ranges for primary and secondary education (6–18 years), aligning with UN Sustainable Development Goal 4.1.
Source: UNESCO UIS (2023). Note: Data is subject to ongoing updates due to volatile global conditions.