Leaving no child behind

Growing number of out of school children calls for  drastic measure to combat.

About 263 million children and youth are out of school, according to UIS data. This number includes 61 million children of primary school age (about 6 to 11 years), 60 million young adolescents of

lower secondary school age (about 12 to 14 years), and 142 million youth of upper secondary school age (about 15 to 17 years) for the school year ending in 2014.

In 2000, 54% of the 375 million out-of-school children, adolescents and youth were female. By 2014, there was virtually no difference in the global rates: 19% of girls of primary and secondary age were out of school, compared to 18% of boys. However, these global averages mask considerable differences at regional and country levels. For example, a closer look at the data shows that girls are more likely to remain excluded from education while out-of-school boys stand a greater chance of eventually entering school.

This increase in out-of-school rates with age is found in all regions to varying degrees. In Southern Asia and sub-Saharan Africa, at least half of all youth are not in school. In Southern Asia, youth of upper secondary age are eight times as likely to not be in school as children of primary age. To correctly interpret these figures, it is important to consider the characteristics that set this age group apart. For example, while primary and lower secondary education are compulsory in nearly all countries, the same is not true for upper secondary education. In addition, youth of upper secondary age are often of legal working age and thus have both a right to employment and a right to education.

Moreover, the indicator does not reflect the activity status or reasons why individuals in each age group fail to participate in education. To obtain a more detailed picture of their situation, it is necessary to analyse the upper secondary out-of-school rate in combination with labour market data and other sources of information. The high upper secondary out-of-school numbers are also a result of the complete lack of education among many youth. In 2005, about 75 million – or 1 out of 9 children of primary age – were out of school. These children are now in the age range of upper secondary education and many have never attended school, highlighting the urgency of achieving universal primary education. While it is important to address the needs of upper-secondary-age youth, it is essential that these efforts not divert resources from primary and lower secondary education