Covid-19 and the fate of the successor of civilization in the context of World Children's Day

Maybe many don't know that November 20 is a special date for children around the world. This day is celebrated World Children's Day to promote the welfare of children around the world. This important moment is also celebrated to respect and respect the rights that must be received by every child in the world. It turned out that it was not only on that date that attention to children was commemorated. It is also noted that there is a commemoration of International Children's Day which is celebrated every June 1. Especially in Indonesia, there is a National Children's Day which is celebrated every 23 July. This attention can be a sign that children are very special to anyone. The child is the hope of the parents to become the successor of the offspring. More than that, it is from the children that the future civilization will be formed. To protect children, organizations and institutions dealing with child issues have also been established. Not only in every country, the United Nations also has the United Nations Children's Fund (Unicef) as the UN agency that deals with children.

However, issues related to children are not the only responsibility of these organizations. All individuals in this world must realize their responsibility to fulfill children's rights so that they can live a normal life both materially and spiritually. Especially in the situation of the Covid-19 pandemic, which has been affecting various worlds for almost a year and has had a major impact on the growth and development of the next generations of civilization. So do not be surprised if the World Children's Day in 2020 has the big theme a day to reimagine a better future for every child. A hope to guarantee a good future for children around the world. We cannot close our eyes if this pandemic has weakened various sectors. The weakness of the affected sectors will also greatly affect the physical development and character of children at this time. The future of an entire generation is at stake and threatened.

The impact of the weak education sector causes children to be threatened not to get good educational facilities and services. Although online methods are a solution for cognitive (brain) education, on the affective (psychological) side, the effectiveness of online methods is questionable and needs to be reviewed. If this continues, it is very likely that a lost generation will emerge in the future.

Anticipation of 'Lost Generation'

This has been realized by Unicef through the release of its report ahead of World Children's Day with the title Averting a Lost Covid Generation. This report describes in detail the dire consequences for children if this pandemic continues. Even though the health rate of the children infected with Covid-19 is high, in the long term, weak education, nutrition and the welfare of a whole generation of children and adolescents can change their lives. In this report, we can observe the facts and effects of the Covid-19 pandemic which has affected children so far. Among them are 572 million students worldwide who are affected by school closures in 30 countries. There was also a 10 percent decrease in health services for children. This is due to the public's fear of transmission or being infected with Covid-19. As a result of Covid-19, nutrition services for women and children in 135 countries have also decreased by 40 percent. Children are overlooked in getting the life protection benefits from the vitamin supplementation program and nutritional intake provided by their schools. Children also receive less parental attention based on data from 65 countries which mention a decrease in home visits from social workers. This condition globally affects the increasing number of children living in poverty without the education, health, housing and other services that children in normal circumstances should receive.

In the midst of this pandemic, all elements, especially parents and the government, must know and try to fulfill the needs of children which Unicef has also called for. In his appeal, Unicef reminded all to make sure all children learn, including by closing the digital divide. Children must also be guaranteed access to health, nutrition services, and make vaccines affordable and available to every child. Protection of the mental health of children and adolescents must be strengthened by ending childhood abuse, gender-based violence and neglect. Children must have facilities and access to clean water and sanitation by always overcoming environmental degradation and climate change. Efforts to end poverty, conflict, disaster and displacement are also called for to protect children.

Earth's efforts have been done, it's time for the sky's efforts to be climbed. The Covid-19 pandemic is real and is an unavoidable sunnatullah. As a religious person, efforts and tawakal must be carried out. Let's instill awareness in children in this difficult situation to face and pass the pandemic well together. Do not let world civilization in the future also be 'infected' by Covid-19.

By: Muhammad Faizin

The author is a teacher at MAN 1 Pringsewu, Lampung.

Source: https://www.nu.or.id/post/read/124758/hari-anak-sedunia--covid-19-dan-nasib-penerus-performasi