A new initiative supported by the World Bank aims to maintain educational continuity for nearly four million students in Sudan. The project, known as the Sudan Primary Education Emergency Support, is funded with $41.9 million from the Global Partnership for Education and implemented by UNICEF.
The conflict that began in April 2023 has displaced over 11 million people within Sudan and neighboring countries, leading to significant disruptions in education. Many schools have been destroyed or repurposed as emergency shelters, and teachers remain unpaid. However, some schools have reopened where the conflict has lessened.
The initiative will support 3,000 schools through grants to improve learning environments and planning. It focuses on mitigating learning loss and supporting socio-emotional wellness with remedial programs and enhanced remote learning. Special attention is given to improving school management capacities and supporting vulnerable children, especially girls and displaced children.
“There is an urgent need for direct support to children," said Yoichiro Ishihara, World Bank Country Manager for Sudan. "The project is aligned with the World Bank Strategy for Fragility, Conflict, and Violence (FCV) 2020-2025 of remaining engaged to protect human capital gains."
In April 2024, the World Bank approved another project called Sudan Somoud - Enhancing Community Resilience Project ($130 million), funded by the STARS Multi-Donor Trust Fund. This project supports community resilience and basic services in Sudan.
“This project represents a critical intervention to support Sudan’s education system during challenging times,” stated Mari Shojo, World Bank Senior Education Specialist and Task Team Leader.