Civil War Leaves Half of Sudan’s Children Out of School, Aid Group Reports
Sudan is facing a significant education crisis due to ongoing civil war. A report from Save the Children reveals that around eight million school-age children are out of school. This alarming situation began when the conflict intensified in April 2023.
Civil War’s Impact on Sudan’s Education System
The conflict between the Sudanese army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has led to severe disruptions in education. Since the onset of the civil war, children have missed approximately 500 days of education. This far exceeds the education disruptions seen during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Loss of School Access
- Over eight million Sudanese children are affected.
- Only 3% of schools are operational in North Darfur.
- Many schools have closed or deteriorated due to conflict.
- Some facilities are being used as temporary shelters for displaced families.
In recent months, drone strikes in and around al-Obeid, the capital of North Kordofan, have further endangered civilians. Residents report significant civilian casualties from these attacks.
Humanitarian Situation
Aid groups are urgently calling for assistance in cities like al-Fashir and Kadugli, where famine is a rising threat. Al-Fashir was captured by the RSF in October, leading to the displacement of over 100,000 people.
Education remains crucial in these trying times. It acts as a protective barrier against exploitation and recruitment into armed groups. However, the report emphasizes that the educational landscape is deteriorating rapidly.
Urgent Need for Support
Save the Children highlights the critical need for funding. Immediate financial support is required to:
- Pay and train teachers.
- Restore damaged learning environments.
- Provide essential educational supplies.
Without these resources, Sudan’s education system faces a complete breakdown. The international community has a vital role in addressing this crisis and safeguarding the future of Sudan’s children.
Inger Ashing, CEO of Save the Children International, stated that the global response has thus far been inadequate. The children of Sudan deserve better support and protection during these challenging times.
