Sudanese education officials express deep concern over the impact of the escalating armed conflict on education across the country. The ongoing clashes between the Sudanese army and the Rapid Support Forces, spreading across multiple states, are jeopardizing the educational future of thousands of students.
According to recent UN reports, approximately 19 million children in Sudan are currently out of school, a stark figure revealed six months into the conflict between the warring parties. Many schools and educational facilities have been repurposed as shelters for displaced civilians fleeing the violence.
Over a million secondary school students, both boys and girls, face an uncertain future as scheduled exams for May 2023 could not proceed.
With the educational system facing significant challenges amid the ongoing conflict, Sudanese Minister of Education, Muhammad Sir al-Khatim al-Houri, has announced forthcoming decisions from the ministry to address these concerns.
“Our primary challenge now is ensuring the continuity of secondary examinations,” Al-Houri stated, outlining plans to conduct primary exams in June and intermediate exams in July.
Speaking to Radio Tamazuj, Journalist Mohammed Khidir, specializing in education matters, expressed the challenges of continuing studies under current conditions. He stated, “Most families are now displaced or hosted by displaced families, living in very harsh conditions.”
Khidir highlighted that families, having lost their property in war-affected areas, are unable to provide essential necessities for students currently.
“The ongoing conflict in Sudan raises concerns among families about the uncertain fate of their children’s education. Millions of children find themselves either seeking asylum, facing displacement, or trapped in conflict zones,” he said.