Full Breakdown
Education Crisis in Sudan: Over 8 Million Children Deprived of Learning
1/23/2026, 1:38:53 PM
The Scale of the Education Crisis
According to a recent report by Save the Children, more than eight million children in Sudan, nearly half of the country's school-aged population, have been out of school for approximately 484 days due to the ongoing civil war. This situation is described as one of the world's longest school closures, surpassing even the severe disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The conflict, which erupted in April 2023 between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), has led to widespread violence, displacement, and destruction of educational infrastructure.
Impact on Educational Infrastructure
The report highlights that many schools have been closed, damaged, or repurposed as shelters for over seven million internally displaced people. In North Darfur, only three percent of schools are operational, while West Kordofan, South Darfur, and West Darfur have 15%, 13%, and 27% of schools functioning, respectively. The prolonged absence from classrooms risks irreversible setbacks, compounding existing vulnerabilities in a nation where access to education was already strained by poverty and instability.
Voices from the Ground
Inger Ashing, CEO of Save the Children International, emphasized the critical role of education in protecting children from exploitation and recruitment into armed groups. During her recent visit to schools in Port Sudan, River Nile, and Khartoum, she noted, “Children who have fled unimaginable violence in Sudan deserve more than just safety - they deserve the chance to learn, to hope, and to rebuild their lives.” Ashing's observations reflect a broader sentiment among children, many of whom express a strong desire to return to school and resume their education.
Urgent Call for Action
Save the Children has called for immediate international support to address the education crisis in Sudan. The organization warns that without urgent funding to pay and train teachers, restore learning spaces, and provide essential supplies, the education system risks total breakdown. Ashing stated, “If we fail to invest in education today, we risk condemning an entire generation to a future defined by conflict rather than by opportunity.”
Criticism & Opposition
Despite the urgent calls for action, the international community's response has been criticized as inadequate. Aid groups have highlighted the need for immediate assistance, particularly in regions like al-Fashir and Kadugli, which are facing famine and severe humanitarian crises. The lack of funding and support for educational initiatives has raised concerns about the long-term implications for Sudanese children and the potential for increased violence and instability.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
While Save the Children reports that over eight million children are out of school, other sources indicate that around 13 million school-aged children are currently affected by the conflict, including those who have never been enrolled. This discrepancy highlights the complexity of the situation and the need for comprehensive data to inform humanitarian responses.
What's Next
As the war in Sudan continues with no signs of abating, Save the Children emphasizes the urgent need for global action to reopen schools safely and provide alternative learning opportunities. The organization warns that without significant intervention, millions of children may never return to school, perpetuating cycles of poverty and instability in the region.
