In war-torn Sudan, Amna Mohamed Ahmed’s school in Port Sudan offers educational opportunities for individuals, particularly women, who have been marginalized due to various barriers. With the ongoing conflict displacing millions and shattering the education system, the school serves as a haven where many pursue their dreams of learning and self-improvement.
In a struggling classroom in eastern Sudan, individuals gather to learn as a dedicated teacher writes Arabic letters on a blackboard. The school’s founder, 63-year-old Amna Mohamed Ahmed, affectionately known as “Amna Oor,” has devoted over thirty years to assist numerous individuals in regaining their education in Port Sudan, the country’s unofficial capital. Initiated in 1995, her initiative responds to the community’s pressing need to combat high illiteracy rates. “That’s what pushed me to act. People wanted to learn — if they didn’t, they wouldn’t have kept coming,” she noted, expressing her commitment to education.
For 39-year-old Nisreen Babiker, returning to school represents a long-cherished aspiration. She had to abandon her education in 2001 due to marriage and family responsibilities after the death of her father. Reflecting on her past, she stated, “My siblings grew up and studied, and my children too. I felt the urge to return to school. Even after all these years, it feels like I’m starting fresh.” Her statement underscores the ambition of many women in similar circumstances seeking opportunities for renewal.
The school has become a refuge for individuals displaced by the ongoing conflict in Sudan, which erupted in April 2023, devastating countless lives. Among those seeking safety and a brighter future is Maria Adam, a 28-year-old who left her home due to the unrest. “When I arrived in Port Sudan, I heard about this place and joined,” she mentioned, recalling her decision to return to education after dropping out at age eleven. Maria’s resolve exemplifies the determination to seek knowledge even amid adversity.
The ongoing war has severely disrupted Sudan’s education system, with the United Nations reporting that more than 90 percent of the country’s 19 million school-age children lack access to formal education. Numerous classrooms have been repurposed to provide temporary shelter for displaced families. A 2022 analysis from Save the Children ranked Sudan as one of the nations facing imminent educational collapse. Nonetheless, the students at the Port Sudan school exhibit unwavering dedication, with many advancing to high school and some graduating from university.
In a touching display of familial bonds, one mother attends lessons alongside her son, striving to transform their futures. “To watch someone go from not knowing how to read or write to graduating from university, getting a job, supporting their family — that is what keeps me going,” shared Ms. Ahmed. Her sentiment encapsulates the profound impact the school has on individuals, transforming them from perceived burdens into contributing members of society.
This article highlights the dedication of Amna Mohamed Ahmed in providing educational opportunities in war-torn Sudan, illustrating how her school serves as a sanctuary for those seeking to escape the ravages of conflict. Despite overwhelming challenges, the resilience and determination of individuals like Nisreen Babiker and Maria Adam reflect a strong desire for knowledge and self-improvement. The commitment of the school fosters hope for a brighter future amidst the chaos of Sudanese society.
Original Source: www.iosconews.com
