Sudan's Future Teachers Educate Refugees in Chad

In the face of severe resource shortages, efforts are underway in Chad to educate Sudanese refugee children, with a strong focus on integrating child protection with educational programs. Many teachers and administrators now working in refugee camps are themselves refugees, having fled the conflict in Sudan that began in April 2023. Sahra, once a aspiring teacher in West Darfur, now heads a primary school in a Chadian refugee camp, serving over 1,000 pupils with 30 teachers recruited from the refugee community.

The influx of nearly one million Sudanese refugees has intensified Chad's existing education crisis, straining already limited classrooms, teachers, and facilities. The school operates in two shifts, offering subjects like mathematics, science, and languages. Teachers are adapting to Chad's curriculum and addressing language differences between Sudanese pupils and Chadian children.

Beyond academics, the program provides safe spaces for young children and offers psychosocial support. For parents, these schools represent a vital sanctuary, protecting children from violence and offering a semblance of normalcy. However, challenges remain, including the plight of unaccompanied minors who are out of school and at risk of criminal involvement.

The refugee response in eastern Chad is critically underfunded, with education being one of the least supported sectors. Schools lack basic amenities like electricity and accessible facilities, and many older teenagers are forced to drop out due to a lack of secondary and vocational training options. Despite these difficulties, there's a strong sense of solidarity, with Chadian organizations collaborating with Sudanese teachers, enriching cultural perspectives for all students.