The Impact of Prolonged School Closures in Sudan
Sudan faces an alarming educational crisis as millions of children remain out of school due to ongoing conflict. This section explores the core issues contributing to one of the world’s longest school closures.
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- Over eight million children in Sudan face nearly 500 days without formal education.
- Conflict between the army and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) hinders educational access.
- Schools are either closed, damaged, or repurposed as shelters, particularly in conflict-ridden areas.
Struggles in North Darfur and Beyond
North Darfur is severely affected, with only three percent of its schools operational. This pattern is reflected in other regions, impacting the education system significantly.
- North Darfur stands as the hardest-hit state with the highest number of school closures.
- West Darfur, West Kordofan, and South Darfur also suffer from limited school operations.
- El-Fasher, a crucial city, was captured by the RSF, exacerbating educational challenges.
Consequences of Educational Disruption
The ongoing conflict has far-reaching consequences on Sudan’s future, threatening to turn an entire generation into casualties of war without adequate educational intervention.
- Unpaid salaries lead many teachers to leave their jobs, worsening the educational void.
- The conflict has created what the U.N. calls the “world’s worst humanitarian crisis.”
- A “lost generation” threatens future stability and development in Sudan without timely investments.
Urgent Calls for Action
International organizations emphasize the need for immediate humanitarian aid and educational reinvestment to prevent further deterioration of Sudan’s educational landscape.
- Save the Children and other NGOs highlight urgent needs for educational funding.
- Attacks on civilian infrastructure, including schools, are critically condemned by U.N. representatives.
- The recruitment of child soldiers adds another layer of complexity to the crisis.
Global Response and Solutions
Addressing the crisis requires concerted efforts from international communities to ensure education becomes accessible once again in war-torn regions of Sudan.
- International aid and strategic planning are vital for rebuilding schools.
- Efforts must focus on political stability to create a conducive environment for learning.
- Support for teachers and education professionals is crucial for restoring educational integrity.
By Ali Musa
Axadle Times international–Monitoring.
