In Sudan, amid ongoing civil war, education plays a pivotal role in nurturing displaced children, providing stability and hope. While much of the country suffers from hunger and displacement, schools along the Red Sea coast continue to operate. The determination of students and adults alike to pursue education exemplifies the quest for normalcy, underscoring Havel’s idea of reclaiming dignity and agency in troubled times.
Amid the ongoing civil war in Sudan, education remains a critical component for displaced children, striving to maintain a semblance of normalcy. Approximately 25 million individuals face acute hunger and 15 million have been displaced. Despite nearly 90% of schools closed, over 600 educational institutions along the Red Sea coast continue to operate, offering hope to 19 million children without classrooms.
Among these students is a young third grader who fled violence in the south. She expressed her feelings about the war, stating, “The war is very bad… I will share the colours with my siblings.” This underscores the importance of education not only for academic growth but for providing a sense of safety and stability in chaotic times.
UN News highlights that education fosters normalcy in conflict zones, which resonates globally, as evidenced by expressions of resilience among children and farmers amid strife. This parallels the insight of Václav Havel, who spoke of humanity’s rope towards regaining control over one’s responsibilities in the face of conflict.
In Sudan’s Khartoum, resistance committees that once advocated democracy now supply essential services to communities affected by war. Moreover, in Port Sudan, schools are stepping up to assist adults in resuming their education, offering a pathway towards empowerment.
An example is Maria Adam, a displaced Sudanese woman striving to finish her education so she can better support her children. This reflects a broader narrative about societies enduring conflicts while seeking to maintain normalcy and dignity in everyday life.
Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy recently emphasized this theme, stating, “We have very good cities even three years after Russia’s invasion. People work and children go to school… Ukraine is fighting and Ukraine lives. This is very important.”
Such acts of normalcy, exemplified by children’s drawings and adult education, embody what Havel termed “the power of the powerless.” These small yet significant steps lay a foundation for future peace through dignity.
The ongoing civil war in Sudan has severely disrupted daily life, particularly for children. However, the presence of functioning schools and educational opportunities amidst adversity offers a glimpse of hope and resilience. Education serves not only as a means of academic instruction but also as a lifeline providing stability, dignity, and a path towards peace. This narrative echoes the global struggle for normalcy in the face of conflict. As illustrated by representatives from conflict-affected areas, the pursuit of education reveals a collective desire for a better future, underscoring the broader significance of normalcy and resilience in societies torn apart by strife.
Original Source: www.csmonitor.com
