Sudan's War Threatens Generations With 'No Education' Amid Economic Collapse

Sudan's younger generations face a dire future with millions of children over the age of five deprived of their fundamental right to education. The ongoing war, raging since April 2023, has triggered a severe economic collapse, bringing education to a near standstill, particularly in areas under army control. Shelling of schools has been documented, but the economic crisis is the primary driver of educational disruption. According to the Geneva Global Hub for Education in Emergencies, 19 million pupils were deprived of education during the 2024-2025 academic year. UNICEF reports that 17 million Sudanese children cannot attend school. Of these, 7.9 million have not returned to nearby schools, even after reopening, due to fears of being targeted and a lack of security. ReliefWeb notes that the war has kept children out of school for over 500 days as of January, marking one of the world's longest periods of educational disruption, exceeding even COVID-19 shutdowns. Save the Children highlights that approximately 17 million children are unable to access education as the conflict displaces families and devastates communities. In Khartoum, most schools are closed or occupied by the army as military sites. Many displaced people have also turned schools into shelters, leaving children without safe learning spaces and increasing the likelihood that millions will never complete their education. Inger Ashing, CEO of Save the Children, stated, "Children who have fled unimaginable violence in Sudan deserve more than just safety. They deserve the opportunity to learn, to have hope, and to rebuild their lives. Education is not a luxury for children; it is a lifeline that protects them from exploitation, early marriage, and recruitment into armed groups. It provides security, stability, and hope for the future."

“

Children who have fled unimaginable violence in Sudan deserve more than just safety. They deserve the opportunity to learn, to have hope, and to rebuild their lives. Education is not a luxury for children; it is a lifeline that protects them from exploitation, early marriage, and recruitment into armed groups. It provides security, stability, and hope for the future.