This year’s academic year has recently kicked off in Sudan’s Blue Nile state, with schools reopening amidst numerous challenges.
The Ministry of Education in Blue Nile State earlier this month resolved to resume the 2023-2024 academic year after a prolonged halt due to the ongoing conflict in the country.
Awad Al-Kareem Adam, the Headteacher of Al-Zaem Al-Azhari School in North Damazin, told Radio Tamazuj Monday that schools in the area witnessed a significant turnout of teachers and students on the first day.
Adam, however, said the learning would depend on the facilitation of teachers’ welfare and the improvement of the learning environment, adding that some schools had been converted into IDP camps.
He added, “Despite the successful start of the academic year, we face two problems: teachers have not received any salaries, and there are war-displaced people in the schools without a solution to their predicament.”
Fatima Abid El-Nur, the Headteacher of Al-Nahda Boys Elementary School, confirmed a positive turnout of students and teachers on the opening day. Fatima stated, “In addition to our regular students, the school hosts many students from states affected by the war, which necessitates further support to cope with this increase, especially as the school suffers from a shortage of chairs, some materials, and necessary educational supplies. We need support to ensure these children receive the education they deserve.”
She also appealed to the concerned authorities to intervene and improve the welfare of the teachers.
“The regional government’s decision to resume learning was a directive to the Ministry of Education and Instruction, but the citizens were unprepared for this step. Opinions were divided between supporters and opponents, with some viewing this move as rushed and indifferent to the conditions of citizens and teachers,” said Abdel Baqi Mustafa, a government employee.
Meanwhile, Mohammed Ali, a citizen of Blue Nile State, urged teachers and students to be patient and work towards the success of the school year despite the challenging circumstances.
The conflict, which began in mid-April 2023, has pushed Sudan’s faltering education system into a state of collapse, with many schools shut down or repurposed to host displaced people.
According to recent UN reports, approximately 19 million children in Sudan are currently out of school.