“A Community Initiative Restores Hope for Education in the Bardi Area – Northern Jebel Marra”

Amid the difficult humanitarian conditions facing areas of northern Jebel Marra as a result of waves of displacement caused by the ongoing war in Sudan, residents of the Bardi area in Jebel Si – Northern Jebel Marra have launched a community initiative to open a primary school. The initiative aims to preserve children’s right to education despite the severe lack of resources and the absence of basic services.

Through their own efforts and limited resources, local residents managed to establish Bardi Primary School, providing a safe learning space for both local children and displaced students. The school consists of four classrooms, one of which is designated for kindergarten. Four volunteer teachers have taken on the responsibility of teaching without financial compensation, reflecting a strong spirit of solidarity and community responsibility.

Speaking to Sudan Sawa Sawa, Mr. Hamed, a teacher said the school represents an important step toward maintaining the continuity of education in the area. However, it still faces major challenges related to the shortage of essential educational supplies.

He noted that the school urgently needs support in providing textbooks, notebooks, boards, pens, desks, chairs, and school bags. It also requires water barrels for drinking water and improvements to water sources, in addition to providing modest stipends for the volunteer teachers who continue their work out of humanitarian commitment.

He also pointed out that many of the students are orphans or children from vulnerable families. They often come to school without notebooks or pens—and sometimes without school uniforms or textbooks—highlighting the urgent need for supportive interventions to ensure the continuity of the educational process.

Despite these challenges, local residents believe the initiative represents an important beginning that can be built upon. They emphasize that support from government authorities and humanitarian organizations could help develop this community effort and turn it into a model that strengthens educational opportunities for children in conflict-affected areas.

Mr. Hamed added that the Bardi area still remains outside the scope of attention from international and regional organizations, despite the growing humanitarian needs there. He expressed hope that this initiative will help draw attention to the reality of the area and its urgent needs.