Amna Ahmed’s School: A Beacon of Hope for Education in Sudan

In eastern Sudan, Amna Mohamed Ahmed’s school provides a vital educational opportunity for those affected by conflict and illiteracy. Founded in 1995, the school primarily supports women and displaced individuals seeking a second chance at education. Despite the challenges facing Sudan’s education system, many students have successfully continued their education and transformed their lives.

In a dilapidated classroom in eastern Sudan, students of varying ages attentively observe as a teacher writes Arabic letters on a worn blackboard. The school’s founder, 63-year-old Amna Mohamed Ahmed, affectionately known as “Amna Oor,” has dedicated three decades to helping individuals resume their education in Port Sudan, recognized as the country’s de facto capital. She initiated this program in 1995 to combat widespread illiteracy in her community, stating, “That’s what pushed me to act. People wanted to learn — if they didn’t, they wouldn’t have kept coming.”

For many, including 39-year-old Nisreen Babiker, returning to education represents the fulfillment of a longstanding aspiration. After terminating her studies in 2001 to support her family following her father’s death, she expressed a strong desire to re-enter the educational system. “Even after all these years, it feels like I’m starting fresh,” she remarked. The institution has become a refuge for individuals displaced by the ongoing conflict in Sudan, which began in April 2023 and has resulted in widespread suffering and displacement.

Maria Adam is one such individual who fled due to the war and sought refuge in Port Sudan. After hearing about the school, she seized the opportunity to return to education at age 28, having quit school at 11. “I want to finish my education so I can help my children,” Adam declared. With the United Nations estimating that over 90 percent of Sudan’s school-age children are now deprived of educational access, this school represents a beacon of hope amidst the chaos.

Despite the considerable challenges faced by Sudan’s educational system, history shows a remarkable resilience among those willing to learn. The school has successfully enabled numerous students to advance to high school and, in some cases, graduate from university. Ahmed expressed her motivation: “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.” The transformation of these individuals from perceived burdens to productive societal members underscores the power of education.

In conclusion, Amna Mohamed Ahmed’s school serves as a crucial lifeline for those seeking education in war-torn Sudan. Amidst immense strife and educational collapse, individuals like Nisreen Babiker and Maria Adam exemplify the profound yearning for learning and personal advancement. Ahmed’s commitment and the resilience of her students highlight the transformative impact of education, even in the direst circumstances.

Original Source: www.iosconews.com