Nearly half of all school-age children in Sudan are currently out of school as a result of the country’s ongoing civil war, according to a new report released by an international humanitarian organisation. The findings highlight the devastating impact of prolonged conflict on education and the growing risk of a lost generation.
The aid group estimates that more than eight million children across Sudan are no longer receiving formal education due to widespread violence, displacement, and the collapse of essential public services. The situation has worsened as fighting between rival military factions continues to destabilise communities and restrict access to safe learning environments.
Since the conflict escalated, thousands of schools have been damaged, destroyed, or shut down entirely. In many areas, school buildings have been abandoned or repurposed as shelters for displaced families, while others have become inaccessible due to insecurity. Teachers have also been forced to flee, further weakening an already fragile education system.
Humanitarian workers report that families are prioritising survival over schooling as they seek safety, food, and medical care. Many parents are reluctant to send their children to school due to fears of violence, while others have relocated to displacement camps or neighbouring countries where educational opportunities are limited or nonexistent.
The aid organisation warned that prolonged absence from school has long-term consequences that extend far beyond missed lessons. Children who remain out of education for extended periods face increased risks of child labour, early marriage, exploitation, and recruitment by armed groups. These dangers are particularly acute for girls, who are more likely to drop out permanently when education is disrupted.
Education specialists stress that the crisis threatens Sudan’s future development and stability. Without urgent intervention, millions of children could grow up without basic literacy and numeracy skills, limiting their economic prospects and undermining post-conflict recovery efforts. Analysts note that rebuilding an education system after years of disruption is far more difficult than maintaining access during conflict.
Despite international concern, humanitarian agencies say their ability to respond remains severely constrained. Ongoing fighting, restricted access to affected regions, and funding shortfalls have made it difficult to establish temporary learning spaces or provide educational materials. Aid workers have called on the international community to increase funding and ensure that education is treated as a core component of emergency response efforts.
The organisation behind the report urged donors and policymakers to prioritise emergency education programmes, including mobile classrooms, community-based learning centres, and teacher support initiatives. They also emphasised the need for psychosocial services to help children cope with trauma caused by displacement and exposure to violence.
Sudan’s education crisis mirrors similar challenges in other conflict-affected countries, where war has disrupted schooling for millions of children. Human rights advocates argue that access to education should be protected even during conflict, as it provides a sense of normalcy and hope for affected communities.
As diplomatic efforts to end the fighting continue, aid groups insist that immediate action is needed to prevent further deterioration. They warn that every year children remain out of school deepens inequality, fuels instability, and diminishes the country’s prospects for peace and recovery.
For millions of Sudanese families, education represents more than academic learning—it is a pathway to safety, opportunity, and long-term stability. Without sustained global support, humanitarian agencies fear that the educational fallout of Sudan’s civil war could last for generations.
Source: Thepressradio.com
