Over 20,000 displaced children in CAR to have temporary classrooms

Over 20, 000 displaced children in Bangui, capital of Central African Republic (CAR), would start classes in temporary learning spaces, said United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) here Tuesday. The on-going chaos in the African country led to hampered access for children to education since schools were damaged or even closed. In Bangui where all schools were shut down since early December 2013, UNICEF and its partners were setting up more than 100 temporary learning spaces, as the UN agency noted. It was introduced that the agency would set up more temporary learning spaces in other parts of the country. "If the displaced children cannot go back to schools, classrooms should come to them," said Judith Leveillee, UNICEF Deputy Representative in CAR, in a written statement. The UN specialized agency said that temporary classrooms were a short-term solution and it would support the local authorities in re-opening formal schools once the security situation permits. "As soon as security allows it, the safe and permanent return of all teachers and students to schools is a crucial step on the road to peace and reconciliation," Leveillee stressed. Apart from establishing temporary learning spaces in the volatile African country, the agency also supported child-friendly spaces which provided displaced children with psychosocial support and recreational activities.