Sudan: How do you keep studying during a war? - What in the World podcast, BBC World Service

Key Concepts

• Sudan Civil War: A conflict that began in 2023 between the Sudanese army and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF).
• Educational Disruption: The widespread closure and damage of schools and universities due to the war.
• Online Learning: An alternative educational method adopted by students, facing challenges like poor internet connectivity and affordability.
• Humanitarian Crisis: The UN's designation of the situation in Sudan as the world's largest, with millions displaced and killed.
• Psychological Impact: The severe mental health effects on students due to trauma, loss, and educational gaps.
• Connectivity for Refugees Project: A UN initiative aimed at providing internet access to displaced people in camps.

Impact of the Civil War on Education in Sudan

The civil war in Sudan, which began in 2023 between the Sudanese army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), has had a devastating impact on the country's education sector. Millions of students have been unable to attend school or university, creating a significant educational gap.

Current State of Education

• Widespread Closures: Schools and universities have ceased operations, particularly in the capital, Khartoum, and Al Jazeera state.
• Darfur Region: In Darfur, areas controlled by the RSF, such as El Fasher, have no functioning schools or universities. In other parts of Darfur, only informal education centers exist, not proper institutions.
• "Safe" Areas: In contrast, the Northern State, Red Sea State, and other regions are considered safer, and education has continued in these areas.
• Two-Year Gap: Students in Khartoum and other affected regions have experienced a two-year gap in their formal education.

Challenges and Adaptations

• Online Learning: Many students are resorting to online education, especially in war-affected areas. However, this is hampered by:
  • Economic Hardship: Families lack the financial means to afford online education for their children.
  • Poor Internet Connectivity: Unstable and expensive internet access is a significant barrier.
  • Distractions and Isolation: Students like 14-year-old Khalid from the Northern State report uncomfortable home study environments with noise, family distractions, and difficulty asking questions or receiving help, leading to feelings of loneliness and isolation.
  • Data Costs: The expense of weekly data packages is a considerable burden.
• UN's "Connectivity for Refugees" Project: This initiative aims to address internet connectivity issues for displaced people in camps. Nima Mahamat Alfdil, a 23-year-old student from West Darfur now a refugee in Chad, shared her positive experience with the project. Improved internet access has enabled her to study English, conduct research, and even learn IT skills like using Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Google. She advocates for more such projects to benefit students in camps.
• Relocation of Institutions: Some schools and universities are relocating to continue operations. For instance, in Kordofan, displaced people had to be moved out of schools to allow them to reopen.
• Resumption Efforts: In Khartoum, schools reopened in September of the current year for the first time since the war began. The government and Ministry of Education are working to repair damaged schools and are aiming for a full school year, though the duration may vary by state.
• Family Support: Some families with financial means are trying to bridge the educational gap by ensuring their children can take exams to advance to the next grade.

Psychological Impact on Students

The war has had a profound psychological impact on students:

• Trauma: Many students have experienced traumatic situations due to the war itself and the economic crisis.
• Loss and Grief: The death of friends in the conflict contributes to significant psychological distress.
• Social Isolation: The lack of direct communication with peers and teachers in online settings exacerbates feelings of loneliness.
• Educational Gaps: The prolonged absence from formal education adds to the psychological burden.
• Teacher Support: Teachers are making extra efforts to provide mental health support to students, but this is challenging due to their own financial struggles and lack of adequate salaries.

Future Outlook

The future of education and students' aspirations for university and employment are heavily dependent on the ongoing situation of the war. The immediate priority for students remains their safety and survival.

Key Arguments and Perspectives

• Resilience of Students: Despite immense challenges, students are demonstrating a strong determination to continue their studies.
• Importance of Connectivity: Reliable internet access is crucial for enabling online learning and connecting displaced individuals.
• Holistic Support Needed: Beyond academic continuity, students require comprehensive psychological support to cope with the trauma and devastation.
• Government and International Role: The government and international organizations like the UN play a vital role in facilitating educational recovery and providing essential resources.

Notable Statements

• "Many students have now a traumatic situation because of the war itself, the economic situation. Some of their friends maybe have been killed in the war." (Speaker not explicitly named, but reflects the general sentiment regarding psychological impact).
• "The UN has called this the world's biggest humanitarian crisis." (Hannah Gelbart, introducing the context of the war).
• "Connectivity for refugees" (UN project name).
• "My name is Nima Mahamat Alfdil. I'm 23 years old. I'm a student and I come from El Geneina, West of Darfur in Sudan. At the moment I'm a refugee in the camp in Chad." (Nima Mahamat Alfdil, sharing her personal experience).

Conclusion

The civil war in Sudan has created an unprecedented educational crisis, forcing millions of students into a precarious situation. While efforts are being made to adapt through online learning and institutional relocation, significant challenges remain, particularly concerning internet access, affordability, and the severe psychological toll on students. The resilience of Sudanese students and the ongoing support from humanitarian initiatives offer a glimmer of hope amidst the devastation, but a lasting resolution to the conflict is paramount for the future of education and the well-being of the younger generation.