In War-Torn Sudan, A School Provides Hope for Education

In war-torn Sudan, Amna Mohamed Ahmed’s school in Port Sudan offers educational opportunities for adults, primarily women who have faced barriers to learning. The institution supports displaced individuals amid ongoing conflict, which has devastated the country’s education system. Despite these challenges, many students succeed in advancing their education, ultimately contributing to their families and communities.

In the eastern Sudanese city of Port Sudan, a humble school provides vital educational opportunities amid the turmoil of the country’s civil conflict. Founded by 63-year-old Amna Mohamed Ahmed, affectionately referred to as “Amna Oor,” the institution has served as a beacon of hope for hundreds seeking to reclaim their education. Established in 1995, the school addresses significant illiteracy rates and advocates for the education of women who have faced systemic barriers.

For individuals like 39-year-old Nisreen Babiker, returning to school represents the fulfillment of a long-held aspiration. After leaving her education in 2001 due to familial responsibilities following her father’s passing, Babiker acknowledges the deep desire to continue learning. Despite the passage of time, she perceives her educational journey as a fresh start.

The school also caters to numerous displaced persons who have fled from the ongoing conflict that erupted in April 2023, resulting from a power struggle between army leader Abdel Fattah Al-Burhan and former deputy Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo. The violence has caused massive casualties, displacing over 12 million people and pushing many into dire circumstances, including hunger and famine.

Among the students is 28-year-old Maria Adam, who left her home in search of safety and a brighter future. Having dropped out at age 11, Adam joined the school in hopes of completing her education to support her children. Amidst the devastation of Sudan’s educational infrastructure, which the United Nations reports has left 90% of school-age children without access to formal learning, the school remains a sanctuary.

Additionally, as much of Sudan’s education system lies in ruins, the Port Sudan school has remained resilient. Some students have progressed to high school, and others have completed their education at the university level. Ahmed expresses utmost pride in witnessing students transition from illiteracy to contributing positively to society. “To watch someone go from not knowing how to read or write to graduating from university, getting a job, supporting their family — that is what keeps me going,” Ahmed stated, highlighting the transformative power of education.

The Port Sudan school exemplifies the resilience of education in the face of adversity. Under Amna Mohamed Ahmed’s leadership, it provides a critical opportunity for those whose lives have been disrupted by conflict. Students like Nisreen Babiker and Maria Adam illustrate the profound impact of education on personal aspirations and familial futures. Despite widespread educational collapse across Sudan, the determination to learn remains alive, fostering hope for a better tomorrow.

Original Source: www.arabnews.com