#Education Cannot Wait #Somalia #NRC #Sundus #Jowhar

In the heart of the Towfiq Camp in Jowhar District, Somalia, a ray of sunlight beams into a classroom where young Sundus, adorned in her bright pink jilbab, sits attentively at the front. This scene marks a pivotal moment not only for her but for many children similarly affected by crisis. After enduring a period where education was merely a distant dream, Sundus now immerses herself in the learning process, her eyes intently focused on her teacher with unwavering determination. For three arduous years, the idea of returning to school seemed impossible for Sundus. When floodwaters engulfed her village at just seven years old, they swept away not only her house but her family's livelihood. Once proud farmers, they were forced into the life of displacement at the Towfiq Camp. Life turned into a daily struggle for survival, leaving education out of reach. However, when Sundus turned ten, a pivotal change occurred. The Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC), with funding from Education Cannot Wait (ECW), established temporary learning spaces in the Towfiq Camp and the surrounding district. "The floods took my home, but education gives me a new lease on life," she says, breathing life into the initiative aimed at providing crucial educational access in the wake of the devastating aftermath of the 2023 'Super El Niño' floods that ravaged Somalia. This funded program served as an urgent response to the catastrophic effects of climate change, which included the widespread displacement of communities and the destruction of educational facilities. The aim was clear: ensure that all children impacted by such crises can access learning opportunities and build resilience against future climatic adversities. At Towfiq, along with 17,000 other displaced individuals, Sundus faced challenges that seemed insurmountable. Access to food and clean water was scarce, and for three years, educational opportunities vanished. Before the floods, Sundus had a love for learning and fond memories of her school back home: "I remember how my teacher would tell me, ‘Sundus, you are smart.’" The introduction of temporary learning spaces by the NRC, thanks to the ECW funding, transformed Sundus' reality. The initiative saw the construction of new classrooms, the restoration of others, and fundamentally, the training of educators to provide a safe, inclusive learning environment for Sundus and countless other children affected by crisis. Today, Sundus proudly attends the first grade. She exclaims her happiness upon receiving her books and pencils, sharing with her mother, "Now I can study again!" Within her newfound school, Sundus discovered much more than academic instruction; she found safety and hope. "The school keeps us safe. When I am in class, nothing else matters. I think only about learning. If I study, I can become anything I want. If I stop, I lose everything. I do not want to stop again," she declares. The humanitarian crisis in Somalia remains one of the most complex globally, marked by ongoing conflict, pervasive poverty, and the dire impacts of climate change. The dual threats of droughts and flooding have led to hundreds of thousands of displacements, crippling homes, schools, and livelihoods. Currently, approximately 4.9 million children remain out of school, with only 21% attendance among newly displaced youth, as opposed to 39% for their non-displaced counterparts. Thus far, Education Cannot Wait has invested over $64 million to assist children affected by the crisis in Somalia, helping them continue their learning journey despite the adversities presented by floods and conflict. In light of the 'Super El Niño' floods of 2023, they have launched emergency responses alongside innovative pilot projects aimed at proactive humanitarian frameworks. This initiative, administered by the NRC and supported by local and international partners, empowers communities to mitigate future climatic consequences affecting children's education. For Sundus, education symbolizes a bridge to a hopeful and bright future amid her numerous losses. She dreams of becoming a doctor, a reflection of her desire to aid those in need: "When I grow up, I want to be a doctor. If someone is sick, I want to help." This dream resonates with countless children in Somalia who persevere through adversity. Access to education is not merely about knowledge; it is about stability, safety, and a pathway towards healing. As floods and droughts reshape the nation, safeguarding these opportunities is crucial to fortifying the resilience of the next generation. "When I open my backpack, I see my future. I see a doctor, hope, and peace," Sundus shares, reiterating the latent power of education in transforming lives, even amid chaos.