Sundus: A Brave Student's Journey from Disaster to Hope in Somalia

Learning in the Eye of the Storm

In the warm atmosphere of a classroom, a girl in a vibrant pink jilbab attentively listens to her teacher, capturing every word. This is Sundus, a young student whose journey back to school was hindered for three long years due to natural disasters. Born in the once picturesque Marerey Village, her innocence was shattered when catastrophic floods ravaged her community when she was just seven years old. Sundus's family once thrived as farmers, but the relentless floodwaters swept away their home and their hopes, forcing them to flee to Towfiq Displacement Camp.

Despite the challenges at the camp, where food and water were scarce and opportunities for education seemed impossible, Sundus's spirit remained unbroken. As a child who once loved school, she yearned to return to the classroom. This dream became a reality when the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC), with the support of Education Cannot Wait (ECW), established temporary learning facilities in the camp. "Floods took away my home. But education is giving me a new life," Sundus expressed, mirroring the hope that education ignites even in the darkest circumstances.

The Norwegian Refugee Council's initiative serves as an emergency response to the widespread devastation caused by the 2023 'Super El Niño' phenomenon, which left millions displaced and continues to disrupt the educational landscape across Somalia. This response aims not just to provide immediate educational access but also to strengthen local preparedness against future climate-related incidents. Through collaboration with partners such as WARDI and SOS Children's Villages, NRC worked relentlessly to build and rehabilitate classrooms, train dedicated teachers, and cultivate inclusive learning environments for Sundus and thousands of other children affected by crises.

In her temporary learning space, Sundus rediscovered the joys that education brings. "I remember the water rushing in, and my mom pulling me to safety as we left everything behind, including my books," Sundus reminisces, illuminating the impact of her traumatic past. After years away from learning, the arrival of new books and pencils made her feel elated. "When I got my books and pencils, I felt so happy. I told my mother, 'Now I can be a student again,'" she enthused.

Today, Sundus stands proudly in first grade, finding solace and safety within her classroom walls. She understands that education not only safeguards her but also lays a foundation for her aspirations. "School keeps us safe. When I'm in class, I don't worry about anything else. I just focus on learning. If I study, I can be anything. If I stop, I will lose everything. I don’t want to stop again," she articulates, revealing the resilience born of her trials.

The situation in Somalia is alarming as they face one of the world’s most intricate humanitarian crises, underlined by conflict, economic instability, and the dire consequences of climate change. According to reports, around 4.9 million children across the nation are out of school, with attendance rates among newly displaced children plummeting to as low as 21%. The need for ongoing assistance is paramount to allow these affected children access to education and opportunity.

ECW's investments exceeding $64 million thus far aim to enable children facing crises throughout Somalia to continue their learning journeys amid the chaos. Their profound work includes deploying a pioneering anticipatory action framework designed for humanitarian response, reducing the long-term impact of climate emergencies on children’s education.

For Sundus and countless other children, education serves as a beacon of hope amidst adversity. "I want to be a doctor when I grow up. If someone is sick, I want to help them," Sundus expresses, fueled by dreams as expansive as her resilience. With education at her fingertips, she sees through the lens of opportunity and empowerment—a future entwined with hope.

“I see a doctor, hope, and peace when I open my school bag,” Sundus concludes, showcasing the profound impact of education on her journey toward a brighter future. As floodwaters recede and countries work toward recovery, sustaining such opportunities remains essential to build resilience for tomorrow’s generation.