Introduction: A Generation at Risk
Sudan’s ongoing war, which erupted in April 2023, has plunged the nation into a humanitarian catastrophe. Over 25 million people are in dire need of assistance, with 8 million displaced—marking the largest displacement crisis in the world today. Among those suffering the most are Sudan’s children, whose education has been nearly erased by conflict. According to UNICEF, nearly 19 million school-aged children have had their learning disrupted, with at least 10,400 schools either damaged, occupied by armed groups or forced to shut down.
Without urgent intervention, Sudan risks losing an entire generation to illiteracy, poverty, and long-term instability. However, hope remains. A coalition of educators and technology experts believes that with the right strategies—from digital learning to trauma-informed education—Sudan’s children can reclaim their future. In this feature, five leading experts provide an in-depth analysis of the crisis, its impact, and the solutions that could restore education in the war-torn nation.
Education Under Siege: A System on the Brink of Collapse
Sudan’s education system was fragile long before the current war. Dr Nafisa Abdo, Dean of the Faculty of Information Technology at Western Kordofan University, highlights that the sector was already struggling due to chronic underfunding, poor infrastructure, and political instability. The war has now pushed it past the point of collapse.
“Before the conflict, more than 40% of Sudanese children were out of school. Now, with schools destroyed, teachers displaced and families in survival mode, the numbers are even more alarming,” Dr. Abdo explains. Satellite images confirm that over 500 schools have been directly damaged by airstrikes and shelling, while thousands more have been repurposed as shelters for displaced families or military outposts.
Beyond physical destruction, economic collapse has made schooling unaffordable. With inflation skyrocketing and over 70% of Sudanese families living in poverty, education has become a luxury few can afford. Teachers, who were already among the lowest-paid professionals in Sudan, have been left without salaries for months, forcing many to leave the profession altogether.
While digital learning presents a potential solution, Sudan faces a major digital divide. “Less than 30% of the population has reliable internet access, and only 10% of households own a computer,” Dr. Abdo states. “Without significant investment in infrastructure, technology-driven education will remain out of reach for most Sudanese children.”
The Hidden Battle: Psychological Trauma and Learning
Even if schools were to reopen tomorrow, many Sudanese children would still struggle to learn. Dr. Hala Nur, Head of the Department of English at the University of Khartoum, warns that the war’s psychological toll on children has been devastating.
“Studies from conflict zones show that exposure to violence and displacement significantly impact cognitive development,” Dr. Nur explains. “We’re seeing a surge in post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and anxiety among Sudanese children. These conditions make it nearly impossible for them to focus, retain information, or engage in learning.”
The numbers paint a grim picture. According to a 2024 UNICEF survey, 67% of Sudanese children in displacement camps show signs of severe emotional distress, yet only 5% have access to any form of psychological support. The absence of structured psychosocial programs means that millions of war-affected children are left to deal with trauma on their own.
Dr. Nur argues that trauma-informed education must be integrated into Sudan’s learning recovery plans. “Teachers should be trained to recognise and support students with trauma. Schools—whether in classrooms, refugee camps, or online platforms—must become safe spaces for children to heal while they learn.”
Education in Exile: The Struggles of Displaced Sudanese Children
For Sudan’s over 8 million displaced people, education is often an afterthought. Miss Salah Abdo, Dean of the Faculty of Economics at Sudan Open University, explains that displaced children face enormous obstacles in accessing schooling.
Host communities, already overwhelmed by economic and social pressures, struggle to integrate refugee children into their education systems. Many displaced families lack the documents needed for enrollment, such as birth certificates or previous school records. Others face language barriers when seeking education in neighbouring countries like Chad, Egypt, and South Sudan.
Statistics from UNHCR highlight the severity of the situation: only 1 in 4 displaced Sudanese children are currently enrolled in school. Girls, in particular, are at risk, with 40% of displaced girls expected to never return to formal education due to child marriage, labour responsibilities, or safety concerns.
Miss Abdo believes the solution lies in flexible education models. “We need mobile classrooms, community-driven learning initiatives, and radio-based education programs that can reach displaced children wherever they are.” She points to successful interventions in Syria and Afghanistan, where displaced students have continued learning through solar-powered tablets, offline learning applications and radio broadcasts in local languages. Sudan must adopt similar measures to prevent further educational losses.
Bridging the Gap: Technology and Global Support as Lifelines
Technology has the potential to bridge Sudan’s education gap—but only if implemented correctly. Dr. Khalid Mirghnee Mohammad, Dean of the College of Computer Science and Mathematics at the University of Bahri, emphasizes that digital learning is a viable solution, but infrastructure limitations pose a major challenge.
“Sudan could benefit from mobile learning platforms, low-cost tablets preloaded with educational content, and SMS-based learning for areas with poor internet access,” Dr. Mohammad explains. In Sierra Leone and Rwanda, similar programs have helped students continue their education during crises.
Radio-based education also presents a low-tech but effective solution. Studies show that educational radio programs have increased literacy rates by up to 30% in conflict-affected areas. “Radio learning, combined with community-based learning hubs, could provide immediate educational support while we work on long-term digital solutions,” Dr Mohammad suggests.
The challenge, however, lies in securing funding. Sudan’s education system needs an estimated $500 million in emergency support to rebuild infrastructure, train teachers, and provide learning materials. Yet, as of early 2025, only 12% of the required funding has been secured. “We need international organizations, private sector partners, and governments to step up,” Dr. Mohammad stresses.
A Call to Action: The World Must Not Turn Away
Sudan’s education crisis is not just a national problem—it is a global humanitarian emergency. Professor Bakri Abdul Karim, Director of International Affairs and Global Education at the National University-Sudan, argues that restoring education must be a top priority for international donors and governments.
“If we fail to act, we risk creating a lost generation,” Professor Karim warns. “History shows that lack of education fuels cycles of poverty, extremism, and long-term instability. Ensuring education is not just about helping Sudan—it’s about securing regional and global peace.”
He calls for an urgent global response, urging governments, NGOs, and tech companies to collaborate on sustainable solutions. “Every child who receives an education today is one less child at risk of exploitation, violence, or radicalization tomorrow,” he states.
Conclusion: Education Cannot Wait
The war in Sudan has pushed millions of children to the brink of an educational catastrophe. However, with innovative learning models, digital solutions and international support, there is still hope. Sudan cannot afford to lose an entire generation to war. The global community must act now—because education is not just a right. It is a lifeline.
