<ul><li>Amid the <keyword id="1754604" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="coronavirus">coronavirus</keyword> outbreak, as many as 290 million school kids across the world are suffering due to suspension of classes. </li><li>Given the uncertainty, edtech platforms like <keyword id="1017386" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="Coursera">Coursera</keyword>, Byju’s, Vedantu and Toppr have rolled out several initiatives to facilitate learning for the impacted students. </li><li>Coursera and Byju’s have announced free access to their platforms while Vedantu joined hands with schools in Bengaluru, Delhi and Kerala to facilitate live sessions.</li></ul>As many as 290 million school kids across the world are suffering due to suspension of classes. And, the coronavirus ‘pandemic’ could prevent an additional 180 million children from attending school. As the cases grow in India, schools across Delhi, Bengaluru, Kerala, Jammu and Kashmir have been closed down as a precautionary measure. <div type="image" title="study" msid="74596409" hostid="261"></div>

 This health emergency has led to more schools, students and parents opting for online learning mediums. Given the uncertainty, edtech platforms like Coursera, Byju’s, Vedantu and Toppr have rolled out several initiatives to facilitate learning for the impacted students. Coursera, Internshala and Byju’s announce free access to their platforms Starting today, Coursera will provide free access to the course catalogue to the impacted universities. “Universities can sign up to provide their enrolled students with access to more than 3,800 courses and 400 specializations from Coursera’s top university and industry partners. These institutions will have access until July 31, 2020, after which we plan to provide month-to-month extensions depending on prevailing risk assessments. Students who enroll on or before July 31 will continue to have access until Sept. 30, 2020,” said Jeff Maggioncalda, CEO Coursera. Byju’s lets learners from classes 1-12, to download and access the learning programs for free until the end of April. This will allow the early learners to access mathematics and english lessons, while students across 4-12 grade can learn mathematics and science. Internshala too announced free access to its online training until March 31 for students in Kerala, Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh. “The students can learn programming, data science, business, design, creative writing and more via short term training programmes,” Internshala said. "Schools should assess their options for educating remotely by resorting to online learning. Preparedness and proper precautionary measures are the only ways to tackle the ongoing coronavirus outbreak,” said Amol Arora, Vice Chairman &amp; MD, Shemford Group of Futuristic Schools. Free live sessions and collaborating with schools <keyword id="6630114" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="unacademy">Unacademy</keyword> is conducting 20,000 <keyword id="8901026" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="free-live-classes">free live classes</keyword> on its platform amidst the outbreak. These sessions will be conducted on topics ranging from UPSC exams to banking, railways recruitment. “We are bringing together our entire network of educators to conduct free live classes for learners across the nation to help them crack their goals unobstructed. We want learners to utilise this time to take precautions against the Coronavirus outbreak and learn from the comfort of their homes,” Gaurav Munjal, Co-Founder and CEO, Unacademy said. Vedantu, a live learning platform, has also joined hands with schools in Bengaluru, Delhi and Kerala to provide classes. With this, Vedantu will provide the schools and their teachers a platform to teach students via live sessions, using their own content. Alternatively, they can also opt for end-to-end online tutorial through the platform. On the other hand, Toppr is offering free live classes to the students. "In view of the evolving situation around coronavirus outbreak and given that some schools are shut and studies interrupted, we are making Topper's live classes completely free for all students in 5th-12th classes. Besides this, our video classes have always been available as a free learning resource," said Zishaan Hayath, CEO and co-founder of Toppr. Other edtech platforms like Lido Learning are also urging students to go for online tutorials as it can impact the students’ academic growth during the exams. It has increased its trial period from 7 days to 14 days. This comes after the <keyword id="6355833" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="united-nations">United Nations</keyword> proposed distance learning programmes via open educational applications for schools and teachers to reach learners remotely. “While temporary school closures as a result of health and other crises are not new unfortunately, the global scale and speed of the current educational disruption is unparalleled and, if prolonged, could threaten the right to education,” <a href="https://en.unesco.org/news/290-million-students-out-school-due-covid-19-unesco-releases-first-global-numbers-and-mobilizes">said</a> <keyword id="3358919" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Audrey-Azoulay">Audrey Azoulay</keyword>, UNESCO Director-General. “We are working with countries to assure the continuity of learning for all, especially disadvantaged children and youth who tend to be the hardest hit by school closures,” Azoulay added. See also: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/education/news/media-mogul-turned-education-entrepreneur-ronnie-screwvala-says-coronavirus-might-have-usher-a-new-era-of-online-learning/articleshow/74550344.cms">Media mogul turned education entrepreneur Ronnie Screwvala says coronavirus might have ushered a new era of online learning</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/startups/news/coronavirus-outbreak-as-schools-shut-down-byjus-makes-its-app-free-for-all-students/articleshow/74574341.cms">Coronavirus outbreak: As schools shut down, Byju’s makes its app free for all students</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/education/news/un-proposes-distance-learning-as-290-million-children-in-22-countries-are-kept-away-from-school-due-to-coronavirus/articleshow/74504216.cms">UN proposes distance learning as 290 million children in 22 countries are kept away from school due to Coronaviru</a>

From free content access to live sessions, here’s what online learning platforms are offering students who miss school

<ul><li>All the primary schools in Delhi — both government-aided and private — have been closed down until March 31 as a precautionary measure. </li><li>Globally, as many as 290 million school kids are suffering due to suspension of classes. And an additional 180 million may miss out on school, if the closures go nationwide. </li><li>Given that, the UN agency is now formulating solutions for inclusive distance learning programmes. It is considering open educational applications and platforms for schools and teachers to reach learners remotely. </li></ul>India’s national capital Delhi has been dealing with unexpected school closures for a long time now. First, in the wake of protests and now the outbreak of <keyword id="1754604" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="coronavirus">coronavirus</keyword> — which has cost over 3,000 lives across the world — has left its students confined to homes. All the primary schools in Delhi — both government-aided and private — have been closed down <a href="https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/coronavirus-in-india-all-primary-schools-in-delhi-to-be-shut-till-march-31/articleshow/74493367.cms">until March 31</a> as a precautionary measure. In Delhi, there have been 30 confirmed cases, while 23 more have shown positive in the first test. <div type="image" title="Agra: School students wear mask to mitigate the spread of coronavirus as they ar..." msid="74504334" hostid="261" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;School students wear mask to mitigate the spread of coronavirus as they arrive to appear for an examination, in Agra.Photo)(&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div>

 On Friday (March 6), an Australian high school shut its doors after a 16-year-old student tested positive for the COVID-19. "Our first concern is for the health of the school's students, and it was decided that until we learned more about this specific case, the school should be closed as a precaution," said New South Wales (NSW) State Premier Gladys Berejiklian. Across the world, as many as 290 million school kids are suffering due to suspension of classes. And, it could prevent an additional 180 million children from attending school, if the countries implement nationwide closures. Students are not attending schools in South Korea, Iran, Japan, France, Pakistan and others. <div type="image" title="A student and school staff leave after the government announced a 14-day closure as they found a 8-year old student was infected with coronavirus, at Phraharuthai Donmuang School in Bangkok" msid="74504342" hostid="261" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;A student and school staff leave after the government announced a 14-day closure as they found a 8-year old student was infected with coronavirus, at Phraharuthai Donmuang School in Bangkok, Thailand February 26, 2020. REUTERS/Soe Zeya Tun&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div>

 It was only two weeks ago that China — which was first hit by the novel coronavirus — was implementing school closures. <a href="https://en.unesco.org/news/290-million-students-out-school-due-covid-19-unesco-releases-first-global-numbers-and-mobilizes">According to</a> the <keyword id="479033" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="United-Nations-Educational">United Nations Educational</keyword>, Scientific and Cultural Organization (<keyword id="6361804" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="unesco">UNESCO</keyword>), 22 countries have shut down their schools so far to control the spread of coronavirus. “Thirteen countries have shut schools nationwide, impacting 290.5 million children and youth who would normally attend pre-primary to upper-secondary classes. A further nine countries have implemented localized school closures to prevent or contain COVID-19,” UNESCO release said. “While temporary school closures as a result of health and other crises are not new unfortunately, the global scale and speed of the current educational disruption is unparalleled and, if prolonged, could threaten the right to education,” <a href="https://en.unesco.org/news/290-million-students-out-school-due-covid-19-unesco-releases-first-global-numbers-and-mobilizes">said</a> <keyword id="3358919" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Audrey-Azoulay">Audrey Azoulay</keyword>, UNESCO Director-General. Given that, the UN agency is now formulating solutions for inclusive distance learning programmes. It is considering open educational applications and platforms for schools and teachers to reach learners remotely. An emergency meeting of all the education ministers will take place on March 10 to strategize the learning process and ensure inclusion and equality. <div type="image" title="Students show a theatrical performance about coronavirus in Solo" msid="74504348" hostid="261" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;Students show a theatrical performance about coronavirus in Solo, Central Java, Indonesia, February 6, 2020 in this photo taken by Antara Foto. ATTENTION EDITORS - THIS IMAGE WAS PROVIDED BY A THIRD PARTY. MANDATORY CREDIT. INDONESIA OUT.&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div>

 “We are working with countries to assure the continuity of learning for all, especially disadvantaged children and youth who tend to be the hardest hit by school closures,” Azoulay added. This explains how deeply the pandemic has gotten into the routine work of people. Offices have been evacuated and employees are now asked to work from home. The virus has already affected people in over 75 countries and is showing no signs of slowing down — triggering fears of large-scale unemployment as trade and travel have also to come a grinding halt. See also: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/india/news/coronavirus-infected-cases-rise-to-30-delhi-shuts-primary-schools-and-mumbai-isolates-9-suspects/articleshow/74495096.cms">Coronavirus: Infected cases rise to 30, Delhi shuts primary schools and Mumbai isolates 9 suspects</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/science/health/news/coronavirus-panic-grips-india-face-mask-prices-surge-by-twenty-times-hand-sanitizers-go-out-of-stock-on-amazon/articleshow/74489614.cms">Coronavirus panic grips India, face mask prices surge by twenty times, hand sanitizers go out of stock on Amazon</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/science/health/news/coronavirus-myths-and-facts-here-are-some-rumours-about-covid-19-that-arent-true/articleshow/74487962.cms">Coronavirus myths and facts: here are 10 rumours about COVID-19 that aren’t true</a>

UN proposes distance learning as 290 million children in 22 countries are kept away from school due to Coronavirus

<ul class="summary-list"><li>The US announced it was to rejoin UNESCO amid worries China was becoming too influential.</li><li>The Biden administration has requested $150 million to start paying back UNESCO dues of $617 million.</li></ul>Motivated by concerns about Chinese influence, the US on Monday said it would rejoin UNESCO. That move probably comes with a bill: $600 million in back payments. The US left UNESCO — the UN cultural, educational and scientific body — in 2017 on the instruction of President Donald Trump, <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/the-us-just-withdrew-from-unesco-over-continuing-anti-israel-bias-2017-10?r=US&amp;IR=T">whose administration accused it of anti-Israel bias</a>.But since then, officials have expressed concern that the US vacating its spot leaves a power vacuum that is being filled by China.In March, discussing plans to return during a State Department press briefing, senior official John Bass described "a key opportunity cost that our absence is creating in our global competition with China.""So if we're really serious about the digital-age competition with China ... we can't afford to be absent any longer."UNESCO's Director-General, Audrey Azoulay, <a href="https://www.unesco.org/en/articles/audrey-azoulay-first-unesco-director-general-be-received-chinese-president" target="_blank" rel="noopener">visited Xi Jinping</a> soon after she took up the post in 2018, becoming the first person in that role to meet a Chinese leader. Before Azoulay took up her role, Xi was keenly interested in a Chinese person filling the position, amid a wider push towards a strong presence at multiple international organizations, <a href="https://foreignpolicy.com/2017/10/06/as-u-s-retreats-from-world-organizations-china-steps-in-the-fill-the-void/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">as Foreign Policy reported at the time</a>. As it turned out, Azoulay <a href="https://www.unesco.org/en/articles/unesco-executive-appointments" target="_blank" rel="noopener">made a Chinese diplomat her deputy</a>.The move reflects President Joe Biden's characteristic willingness to re-join international pacts vacated by Trump, such as <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/biden-rejoins-paris-climate-accord-and-who-revokes-muslim-ban-2021-1?r=US&amp;IR=T">the World Health Organization and the Paris Climate Accords</a>. In March, the Biden administration <a href="https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20230322-blinken-seeks-us-funds-for-un-culture-agency-to-counter-china" target="_blank" rel="noopener">requested $150 million</a> to cover UNESCO fees and arrears for 2024. <a href="https://apnews.com/article/unesco-us-rejoin-palestine-china-5b7849bd2cae966e4e9837380c0c094f" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Per the Associated Press</a>, further requests to cover the total arrears of $619 million are expected in future years. It constitutes a significant chunk of UNESCO's funding, which took a 22% hit when the US withdrew, according to the AP. Azoulay welcomed the US rejoining the organization <a href="https://www.unesco.org/en/articles/united-states-america-announces-its-intention-rejoin-unesco-july?hub=701" target="_blank" rel="noopener">in a statement</a> on Monday, calling it "a strong act of confidence, in UNESCO and in multilateralism."

Worried about Chinese influence, the US is undoing Trump's decision to quit UNESCO. It will probably cost $600 million.

<ul class="summary-list"><li>The United Nations is warning about "potentially harmful" advances in neurotechnology.</li><li>Some tech could allow AI to compromise a person's mental privacy, <a href="https://www.unesco.org/en/articles/unesco-lead-global-dialogue-ethics-neurotechnology?hub=85592" target="_blank" rel="noopener">UNESCO</a> officials said.</li></ul>Some thoughts really should be kept to yourself.The United Nations has raised the alarm about "potentially harmful" advances in neurotechnology, suggesting that brain implants and scans could allow artificial intelligence to infringe on private, human thoughts, according to <a href="https://www.ibtimes.com/ai-supercharged-neurotech-threatens-mental-privacy-unesco-3704941" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Agence France-Presse</a>."It's like putting neurotech on steroids," Mariagrazia Squicciarini, an economist from the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization, told AFP.As artificial intelligence enhances the neurotech field, some are urging caution. The technology has "far-reaching and potentially harmful" capabilities, Gabriela Ramos, UNESCO's assistant director general for social and human sciences, told AFP."We are on a path to a world in which algorithms will enable us to decode people's mental processes and directly manipulate the brain mechanisms underlying their intentions, emotions, and decisions," Ramos said, according to AFP.UN Secretary-General António Guterres said the tech was "advancing at warp speed," AFP reported.While the technology can be life-altering, it may come at a cost, UN officials suggested. <a href="https://www.unesco.org/en/articles/i-felt-there-was-someone-my-head-and-it-wasnt-me?hub=85592" target="_blank" rel="noopener">UNESCO spoke with Hannah Galvin</a>, a woman with epilepsy who had a neurotech device installed in her brain to detect seizures and notify patients of when to lie down.The device ultimately made life worse for Galvin, who said she was having as many as 100 seizures a day — which constantly activated the device."I felt like there was someone in my head, and it wasn't me. And I just got more and more depressed. I didn't like it at all," Galvin, who eventually had the device removed, told UNESCO.The technology could be "fantastic" for other people, however, allowing blind people to see or those with paralysis to walk, Squicciarini said, according to AFP."Neurotechnology could help solve many health issues, but it could also access and manipulate people's brains, and produce information about our identities, and our emotions. It could threaten our rights to human dignity, freedom of thought, and privacy," UNESCO's director-general, <a href="https://www.unesco.org/en/articles/unesco-lead-global-dialogue-ethics-neurotechnology?hub=85592" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Audrey Azoulay, said in June</a>, when she proposed a "common ethical framework at the international level."

UN warns that implanting unregulated AI chips in your brain could threaten your mental privacy

<ul class="summary-list"><li>Ukrainians in Lviv's museums have been packing up displays out of fears the ancient artifacts could be destroyed.</li><li>Volunteers are packing the items away in banana boxes for storage.</li></ul>Museums in <keyword id="11985141" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="ukraine" source="Orion">Ukraine</keyword> have been scrambling to protect their ancient artifacts by any means possible amid Russian military strikes on the country's towns and cities, a report by <a href="https://edition.cnn.com/style/article/ukraine-lviv-saving-art-museums-cultural-treasures/index.html">CNN</a> shows.Volunteers at the National Museum in the western city of Lviv are removing items from display in order to store them in the building's basement for safekeeping. Ancient manuscripts – including a 1,000-year-old bible decorated with gold thread – are packed into cardboard boxes normally used to transport bananas.The museum has also stashed gold lacquered panels that were recovered from 17th-century Baroque churches in its basement, CNN reported. Some items are being stored in hallways, because the basement is full, per CNN.The UN's cultural agency UNESCO <a href="https://www.unesco.org/en/articles/ukraine-unesco-statement-following-adoption-un-general-assembly-resolution">said on March 3</a> that is was "deeply concerned by developments in Ukraine." The organization's director-general Audrey Azoulay called for "the protection of Ukrainian cultural heritage, which bears witness to the country's rich history, and includes its seven World Heritage sites," including those located in Lviv and Kyiv.Lviv has so far not been targeted by the Russian missile and artillery attacks that have destroyed buildings in some cities in the east of the country. The city has become a hub for Ukrainians <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/ukraine-invasion-people-leaving-kyiv-face-crammed-trains-flee-photos-2022-3">fleeing major cities like the capital Kyiv</a>, many of whom are planning to leave Ukraine for neighboring countries."We need to take care of our heritage because this is our national treasure," Ihor Kozhan, director of the museum, told CNN.The museum houses around 175,000 artifacts, <a href="https://nml.com.ua/en/pro-muzey/korotko-pro-muzey/">per the museum website</a>."Today you see empty walls, so it feels bitter, sad. We didn't believe it till the last minute that this could happen," Kozhan told <a href="https://apnews.com/article/videos-998c297ce5034beb8715c23234084dd9">AP</a>."Museum has to live. People have to be there, and first of all children. They have to learn the basics of their <keyword id="11899151" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="culture" source="Orion">culture</keyword>," he added.Elsewhere in Lviv, volunteers are also packing up historical items out of fears they will be destroyed.Displays at the Museum of the History of Religion have been dismantled, while statues at the Latin Cathedral have been covered up with cardboard, foam and plastic, <a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-travel-europe-art-museums-museums-768ce266673b85965edc8367c2257370">per AP.</a>Volunteers at the Lviv Foundation for the Preservation of Architectural and Historical Monuments posted a series of images to Facebook on Wednesday showing volunteers boarding up the stained glass windows of the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/ukrtopik/posts/4903277219761261">Assumption Church in the city center.</a>A US defense official said on Monday that the Kremlin had fired more than 625 missiles at targets in Ukraine since the Russian invasion began on February 24, but its troops remain stalled north of Kyiv, <a href="https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/putin-has-deployed-nearly-100-pct-pre-staged-forces-into-ukraine-us-official-2022-03-07/">Reuters reported</a>.

Ukrainian museum workers pack ancient manuscripts into banana boxes amid a rush to protect the country's treasures from Russian attacks

<ul class="summary-list"><li>Sisay Fida, an Ethiopian broadcast journalist, was shot and killed in May.</li><li>His death adds to the list of at least 2,000 <keyword id="12048139" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="journalists-killed" source="Orion">journalists killed</keyword> since the 1990s, according to the US Embassy.</li></ul>Broadcast journalist Sisay Fida was shot and killed in Dembi Dollo, <keyword id="12031338" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="ethiopia" source="Orion">Ethiopia</keyword>, on May 9, 2021. His death adds to a lengthening list of journalists who have been killed since the early 1990s. Fida, a reporter and a coordinator for Oromia Broadcasting Network, was shot near his residence after attending a wedding, according to reports by the <a href="https://ge.usembassy.gov/almost-2000-journalists-have-been-killed-since-the-1990s/">US Embassy</a> and the <a href="https://cpj.org/data/people/sisay-fida/">Committee to Protect Journalists</a>.According to <a href="https://cpj.org/data/killed/?status=Killed&amp;motiveConfirmed%5B%5D=Confirmed&amp;type%5B%5D=Journalist&amp;start_year=1992&amp;end_year=2021&amp;group_by=year21&amp;group_by=year">CJR</a>, 1,992 journalists have been killed since 1992 as of November 2, 2021."The killing of Ethiopian journalist Sisay Fida not only silences one voice but also sends a devastating message about the dangers facing journalists throughout the country," CPJ's sub-Saharan Africa representative, Muthoki Mumo, said <a href="https://cpj.org/?p=104316">in a press statement</a>. "Authorities can reassure journalists working in Ethiopia of their safety by carrying out a credible investigation into Sisay's killing, and delivering justice through a fair and transparent process."CJR reported that, according to a <a href="https://www.facebook.com/OBNEnglish/posts/4325895850776092?_rdc=2&amp;_rdr_rdr">Facebook post</a> by OBN, citing a spokesperson from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia, and an unnamed source from OBN who spoke to CJR, Fida was receiving death threats because of the scope of his work. "I condemn the murder of Sisay Fida. Violence against journalists represents a criminal threat to press freedom and to the fundamental human right of freedom of expression," Audrey Azoulay, The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization Director-General, said in a <a href="https://en.unesco.org/news/director-general-urges-investigation-murder-journalist-sisay-fida-ethiopia">press statement</a> the day of his death.Deputy Director of Peace and Security for the United Nations in Ethiopia, Ahmed Yassin, whose district includes the Dembi Dollo area, said that he believed Aba Torbe - an assassination group believed to be involved with the Oromo Liberation Army, which has <a href="https://www.reuters.com/world/africa/tigrayan-forces-say-they-have-seized-another-town-ethiopias-amhara-region-2021-10-31/">recently seized a city</a> and was banned from the country until 2018 - killed Fida "because he was well known in the community and worked for the regional government," <a href="https://cpj.org/data/people/sisay-fida/">according to CPJ</a>.CPJ also reports that Fida was working on a report "about public opinion concerning the Ethiopian federal parliament's May 5 classification of the Oromo Liberation Army as a terrorist organization."Oromia Broadcasting Network, Ethiopian Media Authority, and CPJ did not immediately respond to Insider's request for comment.Upon his 2018 election, Ethiopia's Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed had freed journalists and other media workers that had been arrested, leading journalists to think that freedom of the press was restored, <a href="https://www.reuters.com/world/africa/abiys-ethiopia-press-freedom-flourished-then-fear-returned-2021-05-28/">according to Reuters</a>. However, three members of the media, including a journalist named Dessu Dulla, were arrested last year for covering the arrest of an activist in Oromia, the region in Ethiopia where Fida was killed. They were held for three months despite not having been charged, Reuters reported.

A journalist was shot and killed in Ethiopia after receiving death threats for his work, adding to growing list of 2,000 journalists killed since the '90s

World Teachers’ Day was brought into existence in 1994 by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and since then, it has become an annual feature. October 5 is the day earmarked to celebrate the teachers around the globe. Teachers have the biggest role in nation building. As mentors, guides, and knowledge givers, teachers shoulder the responsibility of nurturing the younger generation with wisdom, skills and the right attitude towards life. "On World Teachers’ Day, we are not only celebrating every teacher. We are calling on countries to invest in them and prioritize them in global education recovery efforts so that every learner has access to a qualified and supported teacher. Let’s stand with our teachers!", notes a joint message published by Ms Audrey Azoulay, Director-General of UNESCO, Mr Guy Ryder, Director-General of the International Labour Organization, Ms Henrietta H. Fore, Executive Director of UNICEF, and Mr David Edwards, General Secretary of Education International on World teachers’ Day 2023. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="World Teachers’ Day Wishes and Messages" comment="subhead" text="World Teachers’ Day Wishes and Messages">World Teachers’ Day Wishes and Messages</cmsannotation> Blessed are the students like me who have the guidance and support of teachers like you…. Warm wishes on <keyword id="3710885" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="world-teachers-day" source="Orion">World Teachers Day</keyword> to the most wonderful teacher. Happy Teachers Day! Please accept my immense respect and best wishes! Happy teacher’s day. We can never thank you enough for your dedication, wisdom, and responsibility. A profession like teaching demands a lot of sacrifice and commitment, patience and perseverance…. Happy World Teachers Day to all the wonderful teachers. All the efforts and hard work you've invested in bringing out the best in us can never be repaid in mere words. We can only feel grateful for having a teacher like you! Thank you for teaching me with kindness, dear teacher. Happy Teachers Day! Happy Teachers Day! Your words, attitude, and actions have made such a positive difference in our children’s upbringing! We are truly thankful to you! Without a teacher, the life of a student is a life without any direction. Thank you for helping me find the meaning to my life. Happy World Teachers' Day. I was lucky to have a teacher as wonderful as you are. Wishing you a Teacher’s Day that’s full of joyous moments! Happy Teachers’ Day 2023! It has been an honor to get to learn so many things from you; thanks for inspiring me! Thank you for being an amazing mentor. Happy Teachers Day 2023! Dear teacher, Thanks for being so outstanding, understanding and caring you proved that learning can be a joyous and pleasant experience. You are a wonderful teacher and I wish you a Happy World Teachers' Day! I feel lucky to be under your supervision and care. Accept my heartfelt wishes on this teacher’s day! Dear teacher, without your guidance and wisdom, I wouldn’t be where I am right now! Thank you and Happy Teachers Day! The moment you enter into the classroom, we all can feel strong energy vibes that still inspire us to be like you. Happy World Teachers Day. Happy Teachers Day to all the teachers! Thank you for your patience, kindness, and endless dedication. Happy Teachers Day to you! Your wisdom, dedication, and kindness will always lead us to the right path and inspire us to be better human beings. Warm wishes on World Teachers Day to you. You are the one who has enlightened my life with so much knowledge and inspired me in so many ways. To the world’s greatest teacher, Happy Teachers Day! Thank you for everything! Dear Teacher, Wishing you a happy Teachers’ Day. Thank you for being the guiding light and for inspiring me to do well in my studies. You are the best teacher. I find myself truly blessed to have a teacher like you who has helped me progress through my life. A very Happy World Teachers' Day to you. Happy Teachers Day! Teachers like you are the reason why ordinary students like us dream of doing extraordinary things. Being a teacher isn’t like a 9 to 5 job, thanks for being available whenever we had a problem. Thanks for always making us feel that way! Happy World Teachers' Day 2023. A teacher is someone who nourishes the souls of the students for a lifetime. Happy Teachers Day to all the teachers! You have a very special power of inspiring young people like me. We need more teachers like you in our schools and colleges. Happy World Teachers' Day to you.

World Teachers’ Day Wishes and Messages

<ul class="summary-list"><li>Countries must prioritize safe reopenings of schools in order to prevent devastating long-term consequences, global leaders said Tuesday. </li><li>The <keyword id="1754604" type="PERSON" weightage="60" keywordseo="coronavirus">coronavirus</keyword> has already damaged kids' well-being, with about 11 million girls projected never to return, putting them at risk for early pregnancy, abuse, and marriage. </li><li>The pandemic's effect on schooling has hurt disadvantaged young people most, with about a third of the world's children unable to learn remotely. </li></ul>The coronavirus shut down schools all over the world, and about half of the globe's students have yet to return. The <a href="https://www.insider.com/should-you-send-kids-to-school-during-coronavirus-2020-7">consequences are startling and potentially long-lasting</a>, especially for girls and young people in disadvantaged communities, world leaders said at a media briefing hosted by the World Health Organization on Tuesday. "The longer <keyword id="6356508" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="school">school</keyword>s remained closed, the more damaging the consequences, especially for children from more disadvantaged backgrounds, <keyword id="6366244" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="who">who</keyword> in addition to learning, rely on school for health or safety, and sometimes for nutrition," Audrey Azoulay, the director-general of the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), said. She and others, including Tedros Ghebreyesus, the WHO's director-general, and Henrietta Fore, the executive director of <keyword id="56000" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="60" keywordseo="UNICEF">UNICEF</keyword>, emphasized that countries must prioritize school reopenings, and must do so safely. <a href="https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/considerations-for-school-related-public-health-measures-in-the-context-of-covid-19%20%EF%BB%BF">The three organization released new guidance on how to do so</a> September 14. "Given the devastating consequences on children, youth, and our societies as a whole, the decision to close schools should be a last resort, temporary, and only at a local level in areas with intense transmission," Tedros said. <h2>11 million girls may never return to school</h2>Azoulay said 11 million girls around the world are at risk for never returning to school, a projection informed by how the Ebola crisis affected young people's <keyword id="6355445" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="education">education</keyword>, particularly in African countries hit hardest by the outbreak. As schools closed then, kids, and mostly girls, weren't able to learn as well or at all at home since their responsibilities shifted to caring for the home and family, and making money. If the coronavirus leads to a similar phenomenon, gender gaps in education will widen and girls will be at higher risk of sexual abuse, <a href="https://www.insider.com/6-months-lockdown-estimated-lead-to-7-million-unintended-pregnancies-2020-6">teen pregnancy</a>, and forced marriage, a <a href="https://en.unesco.org/news/covid-19-school-closures-around-world-will-hit-girls-hardest">report from UNESCO warns</a>. <h2>24 million children are projected to drop out of school for good due to the pandemic</h2>Disparities in remote learning opportunities can have long-term, world-wide consequences too. About a third of the world's children were without that option when schools closed, UNICEF data shows. "The sheer number of children whose education was completely disrupted for months on end is nothing short of a global education emergency," Fore said. School closures put kids at higher risk for physical and emotional violence, mental health issues, child labor, sexual abuse, and lifelong poverty, she said. "For the most marginalized, missing out on school, even if only for a few weeks, can lead to negative outcomes that can last a lifetime," Fore said, since it can mean missing out on key vaccines, nutrition, and a safe environment to spend to the day.<div type="image" title="taiwan school coronavirus" height="1467" width="2200" msid="78137443" hostid="261"></div>She said at least 24 million children are <a href="https://www.insider.com/more-than-7000-south-carolina-students-missing-amid-covid-19-2020-8">projected to drop out of school permanently</a> due to COVID-19, and urged governments to prioritize the safe reopening of schools using the organizations' new guidelines.Many countries have already done so, she said, by, for example, spacing out desks, <a href="https://www.insider.com/nyc-outdoor-learning-plan-announced-mayor-de-blasio-2020-8">teaching outside</a>, and implementing a "blended" model where some work is done remotely and some in person. "Before the pandemic, the world was facing a learning crisis in terms of both access to and quality of education for every child," Fore said. "If we don't take action now together, the crisis will only deepen, and children will pay the highest price of all." <ul class="read-more-links"><li>Read more:</li><li><a href="https://www.insider.com/what-first-week-back-to-school-looked-like-for-teachers-2020-9">Inside teachers' first week back in US classrooms: Nerves, disorganization, and exhaustion</a></li><li><a href="https://www.insider.com/children-crying-over-remote-learning-struggles-social-media-2020-8">2 moms posted images on Facebook of their children crying because they're so frustrated with remote learning, and other parents could relate</a></li><li><a href="https://www.insider.com/face-masks-optional-inside-classrooms-at-some-schools-in-germany-2020-8"> Some schools across Germany are not requiring students or teachers to wear face masks inside their classrooms</a></li><li><a href="https://www.insider.com/wisconsin-teacher-building-outdoor-classroom-2020-8">A teacher in Wisconsin is building a 12-sided outdoor classroom for her 4th-grade students</a></li></ul>

11 million girls may never return to school after the coronavirus pandemic, the UN warns

By Yoshita Singh United Nations, May 19 () Nearly 13 per cent of the museums around the world may never reopen, the UN's cultural agency has warned, as about 90 per cent of them globally have had to close their doors due to the COVID-19 pandemic.On the occasion of International Museum Day Monday, two studies by the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) and the International Council of Museums (ICOM) said that museums have been especially affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, with nearly 90 per cent of them, or more than 85,000 institutions, having closed their doors for varying lengths of time during the crisis.Furthermore, in Africa and the Small Island Developing States (SIDS), only 5 per cent of museums were able to offer online content to their audiences. "Nearly 13 per cent of museums around the world may never reopen," the agencies said in a statement.The two studies, involving member states and museum professionals, were aimed at assessing the impact of COVID-19 on museums and museum institutions. They also aimed to find out how the sector had adapted to the pandemic and explore ways to support institutions in its aftermath."Museums play a fundamental role in the resilience of societies", UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay said. "We must help them cope with this crisis and keep them in touch with their audiences". The study conducted by ICOM highlights the fact that museums that have been deprived of their visitors will face a decrease in their income. Professions related to museums, their operations and their outreach could also be seriously affected."We are fully aware of and confident in the tenacity of museum professionals to meet the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic," said ICOM President Suay Aksoy. "However, the museum field cannot survive on its own without the support of the public and private sectors. It is imperative to raise emergency relief funds and to put in place policies to protect professionals and self-employed workers on precarious contracts."In a tweet, Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said that museums may be temporarily closed, but they remain a source of knowledge and discovery for many - now through virtual tours in particular.The analyses also explored how the sector was adapting to the pandemic and ways in which it could offer support once the pandemic ends. With a view to affirm the resilience of art, UNESCO launched the ResiliArt movement last month, which, among other things, conducts virtual high-level exchanges between international professionals and draws support for the cultural world during the crisis. According to UNESCO, social protection of museum staff, digitisation and inventorying of collections and online content development, are among the top priorities that need to be addressed – all of which require financial resources.UNESCO also pointed out that since 2012, the number of museums globally has increased by almost 60 per cent to about 95,000 institutions, demonstrating how important they have become in national cultural policies over the past decade. The study also revealed wide regional disparities, with Africa and Small Island Developing States (SIDS), accounting for only 1.5 per cent of the total number of museums worldwide.Furthermore, only five per cent of museums in Africa and SIDS were able to offer online content to their audiences. "This pandemic also reminds us that half of humanity does not have access to digital technologies," the UNESCO chief said."We must work to promote access to culture for everyone, especially the most vulnerable and isolated".These findings echoed a previous report on the implementation of the 2015 UNESCO Recommendation Concerning the Protection and Promotion of Museums and Collections, their Diversity and their Role in Society. In it, the agency underlined the fundamental role that museums play in education, culture and in supporting the local and regional creative economy. YAS RUP RUPRUP

COVID-19 crisis : Nearly 13 per cent museums around the world may never reopen

<ul><li><keyword id="2022461" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="TCS-iON">TCS iON</keyword>, the strategic arm of <keyword id="6357585" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="tata-consultancy-services">Tata Consultancy Services</keyword> (TCS), announced free access to its platform — ‘Digital Glass Room’ to educational universities. </li><li>The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI), Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI) and Sastra University in Thanjavur are the early birds who have signed up for the programme. </li><li>The platform can be accessed by all schools, boards, colleges and universities, irrespective of the size. </li><li>TCS iON claims to have served over 85% of university entrances and recruitment exams — with over 2 million learners collaborating on the platform.</li></ul>The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI), Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI) and Sastra University in Thanjavur are early birds who signed up for TCS iON’s ‘<keyword id="8948377" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="digital-glassrooms">digital glassrooms</keyword>’ — a virtual learning platform for all Indian educational institutions. This was after TCS iON, the strategic arm of Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) for education, announced free access to its platform. Digital Glassroom, designed exclusively for schools and colleges, aims to furnish the educators with interactive tools and methods like polls, debates, quiz and surveys to share lessons, videos, worksheets and more real-time. “This is focussed on schools and higher education institutions. We have mimicked every activity that happens within a classroom — assignments, hands-on activities and more,” Venguswamy Ramaswamy, global head, TCS iON told Business Insider in an exclusive interview. All the educational institutions have been asked to shut down and suspend classes till March 31, as a precautionary measure. “These are unprecedented times. With schools and colleges shut down across the country, we want to empower these institutions and help them switch to a virtual mode, so students’ learning journeys can continue uninterrupted on our platform. I do hope large numbers of public and private institutions will take this opportunity to use technology to overcome the disruption,” he added. In addition, the platform also provides an embedded live classroom for a better learner experience. However, it is still in a grey area when it comes to regulations on assessment. “As far as certification and other requirements are concerned, you still need an assessment. Today, we provide an assessment capability where one can do a remote programme to ensure it's a free assessment. But we still have to wait how the regulators are going to look into it and whether they will agree to take this as the final assessment. Will they ask for a physical assessment later — that is yet to unfold,” he said. Ramaswamy also added that the move can also revolutionize distance learning. This is in line with the initiatives proposed by the United Nations as well, which proposed solutions for inclusive distance learning programmes. “While temporary school closures as a result of health and other crises are not new unfortunately, the global scale and speed of the current educational disruption is unparalleled and, if prolonged, could threaten the right to education. We are working with countries to assure the continuity of learning for all, especially disadvantaged children and youth who tend to be the hardest hit by school closures,” <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/education/news/un-proposes-distance-learning-as-290-million-children-in-22-countries-are-kept-away-from-school-due-to-coronavirus/articleshow/74504216.cms">said</a> Audrey Azoulay, UNESCO Director-General. The platform is made <a href="https://learning.tcsionhub.in/hub/glass-room/">accessible to all</a> schools, boards, colleges and universities, irrespective of the size. “Our longer term objective is to encourage self-learning and to enable the Indian education system to transition to a digital era where teaching and learning know no physical boundaries. We believe this is the best way to democratize access to education and skill development, and build the human capital needed for India to become a five trillion dollar economy,” Ramaswamy added. TCS iON claims to have served over 85% of university entrances and recruitment exams — with over 2 million learners on the platform. See also: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/startups/news/upgrad-sees-a-50-surge-in-learners-data-science-and-digital-marketing-top-choices/articleshow/74770377.cms">upGrad sees a 50% surge in learners — Data science and digital marketing top choices</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/india/news/news-that-you-may-have-missed-due-to-the-coronavirus-outbreak/articleshow/74770162.cms">Important news that you may have missed amidst Coronavirus chaos</a>

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From free content access to live sessions, here’s what online learning platforms are offering students who miss school

Prerna Sindwani

UN proposes distance learning as 290 million children in 22 countries are kept away from school due to Coronavirus

Prerna Sindwani

Worried about Chinese influence, the US is undoing Trump's decision to quit UNESCO. It will probably cost $600 million.

Mia Jankowicz

UN warns that implanting unregulated AI chips in your brain could threaten your mental privacy

Katie Balevic

Ukrainian museum workers pack ancient manuscripts into banana boxes amid a rush to protect the country's treasures from Russian attacks

Grace Dean,Abby Wallace

A journalist was shot and killed in Ethiopia after receiving death threats for his work, adding to growing list of 2,000 journalists killed since the '90s

Taiyler Simone Mitchell

World Teachers’ Day Wishes and Messages

BI India Bureau

11 million girls may never return to school after the coronavirus pandemic, the UN warns

Anna Medaris Miller

COVID-19 crisis : Nearly 13 per cent museums around the world may never reopen

PTI

ICAI, ICSI and Sastra University are first three educational institutes to collaborate with TCS iON’s ‘digital glassroom’

Prerna Sindwani