Sudan education lifeline: $22M for 200,000 children out of school

Education Cannot Wait has announced a $22 million multi-year investment to restore schooling for nearly 200,000 children and adolescents in West Darfur, South Kordofan and Gedaref. The programme targets Sudan's worst-hit regions as the country's civil war, now in its fourth year, has driven 14 million people from their homes.

At least 8 million of Sudan's 17 million school-age children remain out of school, according to ECW's estimates. Many have missed nearly 500 days of learning since fighting erupted in April 2023. Large numbers of schools across the country are non-operational.

"Education in Sudan has been interrupted by conflict, displacement and unimaginable hardship," said Maysa Jalbout, Director of Education Cannot Wait. "This investment is about much more than reopening classrooms. It is about supporting children to regain a sense of safety and normalcy."

The three-year programme will reach internally displaced children, refugees and vulnerable host communities. At least 60% of beneficiaries will be girls and 10% children with disabilities. The plan includes establishing safe formal and non-formal learning environments, providing mental health and psychosocial support, strengthening teacher capacity and improving access to learning materials. A $5 million crisis modifier will allow rapid responses to emerging emergencies and climate-related shocks.

Save the Children will lead implementation, partnering with Plan International, Lakarmissionen International, and local groups Alsalam Organisation for Relief and Development and Sadagaat.