15 mn children in Mideast, North Africa not in school: UNRome, Jan 24 (IANS/AKI) A total 15 million children in the crises-hit Middle East and North Africa region are not attending school, a figure that is expected to reach 20 million by 2030, the United Nations cultural organisation UNESCO and World Food Programme said. "WFP school meals programmes have proved their value in the most challenging and complex environments of all - the aftermath of emergencies and during protracted crises," Hadi added. Conflict has impact many countries and millions of people in the Middle East and North Africa over the past decade, WFP and UNESCO said. In the MENA region, WFP is running school feeding programmes in 11 countries to boost school attendance rates, reduce gender learning gaps and contribute to children''s health and ability to learn. Together with investment in quality education, school feeding programmes are essential for stability and enduring peace in the region, said the agencies.

Source: The North Africa Journal January 24, 2020 17:37 UTC