The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) reported on Tuesday that drone attacks by Rapid Support Forces (RSF) on two warehouses in Sheikan, North Kordofan, Sudan, resulted in the destruction of over 330,000 schoolbooks. The attack, which occurred on Sunday, targeted over 292,000 textbooks and 40,000 review books in Arabic, mathematics, and other educational materials intended for distribution to children.
According to UNICEF, these educational materials were set to be distributed in October, coinciding with the start of the new academic year, to schools in areas including West Bara, Bara, and Um Dam in North Kordofan. The loss is expected to significantly impact the education of thousands of children. Angela Kearney, UNICEF's representative in Sudan, stated that the destruction of these materials is a setback for children at a time when efforts are being made to get them back into classrooms.
Kearney emphasized that many children have already missed years of schooling due to the conflict, and with schools already facing a shortage of teachers, seating, and educational materials, this loss will further undermine children's access to quality education. She stressed that every child has the right to education and that this right must be protected. UNICEF called for the protection of civilians and civilian infrastructure, highlighting the need to safeguard educational facilities and supplies.
The destruction of educational materials in North Kordofan has been widely condemned. The government of North Kordofan denounced the drone attack, which also targeted buildings of the Ministry of Education and the Water Sector in the state capital, Al-Ubayyid. The attack on educational infrastructure and supplies has exacerbated the challenges of providing education in areas affected by the conflict.
The ongoing conflict in Sudan has had a devastating impact on the education sector. According to UN estimates, approximately 8 million students are out of school due to the conflict, which is nearly half of the country's school-age children. Over 1,400 schools have been attacked since the start of the war in 2023, and 30% of the country's schools have been damaged or closed.
The conflict in Sudan, which began in April 2023, has resulted in tens of thousands of deaths and displaced around 13 million people. The situation has led to a humanitarian crisis, with millions facing famine and death due to food shortages. International and UN calls for an end to the conflict have intensified to prevent further humanitarian catastrophe.
The destruction of educational materials and infrastructure in North Kordofan is part of a broader crisis affecting the region. The conflict has spread to 13 out of 18 states in Sudan, leading to widespread devastation and displacement. Efforts to address the crisis and protect civilians, including children and their right to education, continue to be emphasized by international organizations and governments.
Key points
- Over 330,000 schoolbooks destroyed in drone attacks on warehouses in North Kordofan, Sudan.
- The destruction of educational materials expected to impact thousands of children in North Kordofan.
- The ongoing conflict in Sudan has resulted in 8 million students being out of school and 1,400 schools being attacked.
