Children of West Darfur Are Getting an Education Despite Ongoing Upheaval and Conflict

Enrolments increase, but most children still lack access to school 
 

27 February 2008

Tens of thousands of Darfur’s displaced children are in school today thanks to the efforts of organizations like Save the Children, which serves more children and families in West Darfur State than any other independent humanitarian agency. 

More than 22,440 children in camps and towns throughout West Darfur State are attending classes with the assistance of Save the Children, in spite of ongoing hardship and a recent upsurge in banditry and violence. Other organizations are also helping educate children.

Despite gains in enrollment — and the critical, positive impact it has on children’s and their country’s future — at least half of all children in the entire Darfur region, as many as 650,000, are still not receiving an education.

In marking the fifth anniversary of the Darfur crisis, where over 1 million children have been displace by devastating violence, Save the Children today urged donor nations to provide greater assistance for education programs in conflict zones such as West Darfur State, where current support fails to meet the educational needs of children.

“Education is the foundation for economically viable and more peaceful societies. But the international community has been loathe to fund schooling in conflict situations,” said Simon Cowell, Acting Secretary General of the International Save the Children Alliance. “This is shortsighted. Through our global education Rewrite the Future initiative, Save the Children is reaching as many children in areas of war and conflict as possible, but meeting all of their needs requires global effort and focus.”

“Every year in West Darfur 200,000 children come of school age,” continued Cowell. “We cannot afford to wait to begin education programs until violence ceases and families can return home. What about the children whose time for school is now? Are they to be left by the wayside of history?”

Save the Children’s Rewrite the Future initiative addresses the educational needs of primary school–aged children by increasing access to education and by improving the quality of education throughout West Darfur State and other conflict-affected areas around the world.

In Darfur, Save the Children has opened new schools for thousands of children, many of whom have been unable to attend school for years. Currently, the agency is working in 42 schools in West Darfur State, collaborating with communities to re-build education in West Darfur state. Since October 2005, Save the Children U.S. has overseen the rehabilitation or construction of 250 classrooms, 35 offices and 231 latrines.

In addition, Save the Children is distributing essential learning materials, especially notebooks, pencils, erasers, blackboards, chalk, desks, chairs and other vital educational materials. Save the Children also facilitates training programs for parent-teacher associations (PTAs) on a range of topics including primary school management and leadership, child protection, child-friendly schools, emergency preparedness and the value of education.

Education is essential to protecting children during conflict and to rebuilding nations in its aftermath. It is a vital to alleviating poverty and reducing the risks of perpetual conflict by helping lay the groundwork for personal growth, economic development and political stability.

Nevertheless, in Darfur and other conflict zones, education is often one of the first casualties. Schools close, teachers flee or are recruited into the military, and school systems lose critical funding. This puts children at risk, making them easier targets for recruitment as child soldiers, or exploitation as cheap labor. It also increases their vulnerability to trafficking and abuse. 
A year after the launch of the agency’s Rewrite the Future campaign, Save the Children has assisted 3.4 million children in more than 20 countries affected by conflict and put the issue of education for children in communities affected by war on the world's agenda.

In addition to its education programs, Save the Children also delivers food, water and sanitation, healthcare, livelihood and protection programs (for women and children) to over half a million people in West Darfur State.

The International Save the Children Alliance is the world’s leading independent children’s rights organisation, with members in 28 countries and operational programmes in more than 100. We fight for children’s rights and deliver lasting improvements to children’s lives worldwide.

To find out more about Rewrite the Future visit www.savethechildren.net/rewritethefuture