The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has said the effect of schools closure due to COVID-19 pandemic is dangerous to the growth, wellbeing and safety of the children.

 The agency in a statement on Tuesday disclosed that the effects of closing school for another year will be suffered on upcoming generations as well, stressing that schools were not drivers of the pandemic.

The agency disclosed that “In the case of lockdowns, schools must be among the first to reopen once authorities start lifting restrictions.

“Catch-up classes should be prioritised to ensure that children who have been unable to learn remotely are not left behind.”

“If children are faced with another year of school closures, the effects will be felt for generations to come,” UNICEF warned.

The UN agency noted that the number of out-of-school children is set to rise by 24 million to a level not yet seen in years and to a level it has fought so hard to overcome.