Recent data from UNESCO highlights a staggering educational crisis in South-East Asia, where nearly 18 million children and teenagers remain out of school. This gap is driven by a combination of socio-economic challenges, displacement due to conflicts, and systemic inequalities within education systems. Countries such as Indonesia, Myanmar, and the Philippines are especially affected, facing the dual challenge of rapid population growth and insufficient infrastructure to accommodate all children in formal education settings.

The report emphasizes several critical barriers contributing to this educational divide:

  • Poverty: Families struggling financially often prioritize work over schooling for their children.
  • Geographical isolation: Remote and rural areas lack access to quality schools and teachers.
  • Gender disparities: Girls are disproportionately…