Education Cannot Wait Unveils $22 Million Initiative for Children in Crisis-Hit Sudan

Education Cannot Wait Unveils a $22 Million Initiative for Children in Crisis-Hit Sudan

In a critical step towards restoring education in conflict-torn regions, Education Cannot Wait (ECW), the global fund dedicated to education in crisis situations, has announced a formidable $22 million investment. This substantial funding is designed to support nearly 200,000 children and adolescents affected by the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Sudan, particularly in the regions of West Darfur, South Kordofan, and Gedaref.

ECW launched this initiative amidst a severe humanitarian crisis where armed conflict and displacement have disrupted the lives of millions. Since April 2023, over 14 million individuals have been forced to abandon their homes, leaving 33.7 million people urgently needing humanitarian assistance. Alarmingly, around 8 million children in Sudan—nearly half of the total school-age population—remain out of school. With many educational institutions non-operational and educational disruptions exceeding 500 days for some children, the need for immediate action has never been more pressing.

Maysa Jalbout, Director of Education Cannot Wait, made the announcement following a high-level mission to Sudan where she interacted with affected children, educators, and community representatives. Jalbout stressed the vital role education plays in restoring hope and stability to children’s lives: "Education in Sudan has been interrupted by conflict, displacement, and unimaginable hardship. Yet, it remains one of the most powerful tools we have to protect millions of children, restore hope and support recovery."

The three-year program focuses on reaching the nation’s most vulnerable populations, ensuring that at least 60% of the beneficiaries are girls and 10% are children with disabilities. The initiative aims to establish safe and inclusive learning environments, offer mental health and psychosocial support, and enhance teacher training. Additionally, the programme will work on providing quality learning materials and addressing barriers that hinder access for girls and children with disabilities.

To effectively respond to emerging needs and climatic challenges, a dedicated $5 million crisis modifier has been included in the plan. Implementation will be carried out by a consortium led by Save the Children, in collaboration with Plan International, Lakarmissionen International (LM International), and local partners like Alsalam Organisation for Relief and Development (AORD) and Sadagaat.

Francesco Lanino, Deputy Country Director for Save the Children, emphasized the importance of this initiative, stating, "For millions of children in Sudan, conflict and displacement have disrupted not only their education but also their sense of safety, routine, and hope for the future. Access to safe, quality education is a fundamental right and one of the most effective ways to protect children and support their recovery during crises."

A key aspect of this program is its focus on localization. Nearly 48% of the funding will be allocated to national and local partners, ensuring that the response aligns with the community's priorities and capacities. Community-based organizations, including those representing women and persons with disabilities, will play a central role in the initiative.

Rudwan Elfaki, General Director of AORD, commented on the resilience of Sudanese communities: "Communities in Sudan have shown extraordinary resilience despite the immense challenges they continue to face. As a Sudanese organization, we understand that lasting impact comes from solutions rooted in local knowledge, trust, and partnerships with the communities we serve."

This $22 million investment by ECW serves as seed funding towards a broader total program cost of $39 million. Efforts will continue to secure additional resources as the situation evolves.

Simultaneously, this announcement coincides with the launch of ECW's new global campaign, "Hope Starts Here", aiming to raise $600 million to provide education for 10 million children affected by crises over the next four years. The campaign highlights the urgent need for action, as more than 258 million school-aged children are currently facing disruption to their education due to various global crises.

As ECW gears up for its High-Level Replenishment Conference in Geneva, scheduled for November 5, 2026, this initiative underscores an urgent call for government and organizational support to ensure that no child is left behind amidst escalating global challenges.

Education Cannot Wait continues to uphold its mission of securing quality education for all crisis-affected children, a crucial effort in fostering resilience and paving the way for a brighter future for millions.

For more information about this initiative or to contribute to the campaign, visit Education Cannot Wait.