Restoring Education in War-Torn Al Geneina
Communities and partners like the Norwegian Refugee Council are revitalizing schools, helping students in Sudan return to learning through the ECW-funded program.
Fatima Idris stands in her classroom in Al Geneina, observing her students as they eagerly settle into their seats, ready for exams – a feat that seemed unthinkable a few months prior. This classroom, once nearly reduced to rubble by armed conflict, has transformed into a haven for these children.
The Journey from Ruins to Resilience
"Education had almost vanished," recalls Teacher Fatima Idris. "Schools were destroyed beyond recognition. Yet today, children are back, taking their exams and reclaiming their place in a classroom." The ongoing conflict in Sudan, worsening since April 2023, has wreaked havoc on communities. What was once a peaceful town has transformed into a battleground, leading to the loss of countless lives and displacing millions. However, in Al Geneina, where despair once hung heavy, a flicker of hope now glimmers.
Thanks to the unwavering support of organizations like the Norwegian Refugee Council, along with funding from Education Cannot Wait, initiatives have emerged to rebuild and reopen schools in Al Geneina. This program falls under ECW's Multi-Year Resilience Initiative, aimed at reviving education for countless students displaced by conflict.
Creating Opportunities for Young Learners
When peace finally returned to Al Geneina, families were confronted with the devastation that lay before them, including schools that resembled ruins. Nevertheless, the community refused to let hope dwindle. Teachers, parents, and community members collaborated to keep education alive through informal lessons, held in whatever spaces were available, even beneath the shade of trees.
In 2024, the Norwegian Refugee Council rolled out a structured non-formal education program, primarily in Al Geneina schools. This initiative, supported by ECW, emphasized the renovation of classrooms, the construction of latrines, and the installation of secure gates. Accelerated education programs were also introduced to allow children to catch up on missed learning due to prolonged conflict.
After ten months in these accelerated education classes, over 2,000 children were able to participate in transitional exams, marking a critical milestone on their path back to formal education. For both students and parents, these exams represent a beacon of hope.
Haja Abdulazim Adam, a mother, expresses the importance of education: "Without it, children risk becoming lost. We want them educated and empowered to contribute to our nation. After the war, many were left without direction, but now they have a second chance." Students who successfully passed their exams will transition to formal schooling once it reopens.
Ongoing Support for Sudanese Children
Education Cannot Wait continues its mission alongside partners like the Norwegian Refugee Council to ensure that amidst adversity, children in Sudan can persevere in their education. Currently, more than half of Sudan's population requires humanitarian assistance – including a staggering 16 million children lacking basic essentials such as food, water, shelter, and education.
Since 2021, ECW has allocated over US$33.7 million for education in Sudan, focusing on building and rehabilitating classrooms, supplying educational materials, training teachers, and improving access to inclusive education. Additionally, more than US$20 million has been directed towards regional educational needs, covering countries such as South Sudan and Uganda.
In times of crisis, education becomes a foundation for growth, stability, and protection. Schools offer safe spaces for children to recover from trauma and shield them from threats like child labor and early marriage. Through education, these children can chase their dreams and forge a better future for themselves.
The transformation witnessed in Al Geneina showcases the resilience of the community and its youth. For Teacher Fatima Daway, witnessing her students return, take their exams, and reignite their aspirations is the ultimate victory. "The war left us shattered. We struggled to visualize a return to normalcy. Yet, here we are. Hope has returned, and so has the promise of education," she says.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is education crucial in post-conflict areas like Al Geneina?
Education provides stability, a sense of normalcy, and a way for children to recover from trauma. It also reduces risks such as child labor and early marriage.
What organizations support education initiatives in Sudan?
The Norwegian Refugee Council and Education Cannot Wait are key partners in reviving education in Sudan, offering funding and structural support.
How many children are currently out of school in Sudan?
Over 16 million children in Sudan lack access to education due to ongoing conflict and humanitarian crises.
What are accelerated education programs?
These programs help children catch up on missed education due to conflicts, allowing them to transition back into the formal school system smoothly.
How can communities help in rebuilding education systems?
Community involvement is vital; parents and teachers can collaborate to create informal learning environments and advocate for sustained educational support.
