Ei-iE

The COVID-19 pandemic continues to grow at an alarming rate, resulting in numerous infections and fatalities across the globe. The impact on education has been devastating, with UNESCO reporting that over 1.5 billion students had been affected due to school closures in 165 countries as of 26 March 2020; this...

Honduran teachers will receive extra support from their union in the form of economic aid for older adults and pregnant women, in a joint effort by teachers to offset the crisis caused by the closure of schools.

The National Alliance of Teachers and Office Workers is assisting its members in negotiations with employers so that educators receive financial support during school closures in the Philippines. The union is also offering students remedial online sessions.

Following the closure of schools as a result of COVID-19, teachers in Argentina are working together to create educational content that would be accessible to all students.

In the wake of Costa Rica's move to close schools, education union ANDE has proposed that food be provided to the most vulnerable families.

The National Education Union has called on the British Government to put measures in place to protect students and education staff in schools that remain open to the children of frontline workers.

Thanks to the early deployment of epidemic control actions by the government, schools in Taiwan remain open with strict measures to prevent infection. The National Teachers’ Association also reacted swiftly, contributing to the effort to ensure the safety of teachers and students during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Japan Teachers’ Union has voiced concern over students’ wellbeing during the school closures brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic. Temporary educators also face serious problems as classes are suspended. The union is working with the national Ministry of Education and Parliament to find solutions.

As the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID–19) spreads across the world, paralysing entire countries, underprivileged families bear the brunt of the crisis, with parents unable to work and support their children. Educators in Palestine and Morocco have decided to donate part of their wages to help the most vulnerable and the...

With schools closed due to the outbreak of COVID-19 in Albania, the Independent Trade Union of Education of Albania has moved quickly to social media and virtual group platforms to stay in touch with members. It has also liaised with public authorities to ensure that all children have ongoing equal...

Teachers and educators in Ghana are urging President Akufo-Addo to extend the four-week shutdown of basic and second-cycle schools to final-year students. This is intended to minimise the spread of COVID-19.

Volume II of The Teaching and Learning International Survey (TALIS) 2018 was released by the OECD today, 23 March 2020. Having contributed to the development of the survey, EI welcomes the findings and views them as a solid basis for discussions between education trade unions and policy makers.

In order to minimise the impact of the COVID-19 outbreak, it is essential to follow the guidelines provided by the World Health Organisation and the advice of national health authorities. Misinformation during this crisis can have deadly consequences. Educators play an essential role in informing their students and communities on...

Education unions in Francophone Africa are dismayed at the lack of consultation in government decisions to close all education establishments to fight the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic. The unions representing teachers and education support personnel report that they had not been consulted on the best ways to ensure quality...

Education International welcomes the release of jailed Iranian teacher unionist Esmail Abdi on 17 March.

The Philippines is currently under a State of National Health Emergency and a State of Calamity. Classes from kindergarten to college are cancelled until 14 April 2020 but the government is not conducting extensive testing nor providing enough support for the population. The Alliance of Concerned Teachers is mobilising to...

The Confederación Nacional de Trabajadores de Educación (CNTE), Education International affiliate in Brazil, has called a major nationwide strike in education, protesting the policies of the Bolsonaro administration. The trade union centre in Brazil - Central Única de los trabajadores de Brasil (CUT) – and other organisations have announced they...

Education International warmly welcomes the declaration by the UN Special Rapporteur on minority issues that children of linguistic minorities must be taught in their own language where possible. This would help to achieve inclusive and quality education, and respect the human rights of all children.