A group of students from Al-Imam Al-Hadi College in Omdurman has launched an initiative to clean, rehabilitate, and restore the college in Wad Nubawi following the army’s advance in the area.
Omar Ahmed Omar Al-Imam, the college’s deputy dean, told Radio Tamazuj, “The initiative was conceived by the students to prepare and restore the college’s facilities.” He explained that the first phase started with the Wad Nubawi complex, focusing on cleaning, repairing, and maintaining the lecture halls, followed by efforts at the Al-Mulazmeen complex.
He noted that the initiative’s success was due to the combined efforts of the college administration, students, and the cooperation of the army and police forces. This collaboration has inspired citizens to return and feel secure.
Mohammed Mohiuddin, the deputy secretary of student affairs and the coordinator of the initiative, told Radio Tamazuj, “The goal of the initiative is to serve the community surrounding Al-Imam Al-Hadi College, help students overcome difficulties, and encourage other universities and institutions to return and rebuild.”
He explained that the first phase involved cleaning, disinfecting, removing debris, and repairing the lecture halls. “The college building in Al-Mulazmeen was completely destroyed and will be restored after Eid al-Adha, starting with the Wad Nubawi building and all its annexes and departments,” he added.
Mohiuddin noted that 350 students participated in the initiative, working around the clock for two weeks.
More than a year into the conflict, Sudan’s educational system is in shambles. Many schools and universities have closed indefinitely, while many others have been destroyed.
There have been increasing calls from the international community to avert a humanitarian disaster that could push millions into famine and death due to food shortages caused by the fighting in Sudan.
Since mid-April last year, the Sudanese army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) have been waging a war that has left around 15,000 dead and more than 8 million displaced and refugees, according to the UN figures.