By Asiimwe Angel
In Sudan, a country already scarred by years of conflict, a new, silent crisis is unfolding—one that threatens the future of an entire generation. The Education Above All (EAA) Foundation has recently spotlighted this dire situation in their position paper titled “Sudan: Education Lost for a Generation.” This document sheds light on the staggering reality that 19 million children in Sudan are currently out of school, a number that signifies not just an educational crisis but a profound loss for the nation’s future.
The war, which has engulfed Sudan since April, has not only led to the displacement of millions but has also shuttered schools across conflict zones. Before the escalation of violence, Sudan already struggled with poverty, instability, and a faltering education system. Now, with the added chaos of war, the situation has deteriorated dramatically. Schools, once a sanctuary of learning and growth, are now battlegrounds or shelters for the displaced, further diminishing the chances of education for children.
The EAA Foundation, on the International Day of Education 2024, issued a poignant call to action. They urged the conflicting parties to honor their obligations under international law to protect civilians, particularly the young, who are caught in the crossfire not just physically but also in terms of their right to education. The international community was also called upon to step up efforts towards conflict resolution and the restoration of educational infrastructure.
This crisis poses immediate risks: children without education are vulnerable to recruitment by armed groups, early marriage, or labor exploitation. The long-term impacts are equally devastating; without education, these children will find it harder to break the cycle of poverty, contribute to economic development, or participate in peace-building efforts. The EAA Foundation emphasized that the loss of education could lead to a net lifetime economic loss of US$ 26 billion for this generation of Sudanese children if not addressed promptly.
Efforts to mitigate this crisis include alternative learning modalities in safer regions and calls for increased international aid to support educational initiatives. Organizations like UNICEF and Save the Children are on the ground, working tirelessly to provide makeshift learning environments and to ensure that education remains a priority even amidst chaos.
The situation in Sudan serves as a grim reminder of how conflict not only destroys lives today but also steals the future from the youngest and most vulnerable. It underscores the urgent need for peace, for the re-opening of schools, and for global solidarity in rebuilding a nation’s educational backbone. The path forward requires not just ending the conflict but ensuring that when peace does return, Sudan’s children can reclaim their right to learn, grow, and dream of a better tomorrow.
As we reflect on this crisis, let it be a call to action not just for Sudan but for all regions where conflict disrupts the fundamental right of children to education. The world must not let Sudan’s youth become a ‘lost generation’ but instead, must help them become the builders of a peaceful and prosperous future.