Schools across Sudan's West Darfur state are defying the challenges posed by the ongoing war, with student enrolment on the rise. According to Youssef Osman, the state's director of secondary education, parents, guardians, and students recognize the importance of education and see it as a vital alternative amid the conflict. As a result, schools at all levels, including preschool, primary, and secondary education, continue to operate.
West Darfur is among the areas controlled by the Sudan Foundation Alliance (Tasis), a parallel administration aligned with the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). The RSF has been fighting Sudan's army since April 2023. In July 2025, Tasis announced the formation of a parallel administration in areas under its control, with RSF commander Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, widely known as Hemedti, heading its presidential council and civilian politician Mohamed Hassan al-Taishi serving as prime minister.
Osman attributed the increasing enrolment to the state administration's efforts to prioritize education and stabilize the education sector. The administration has committed to paying monthly incentives to teachers in public secondary schools, with payments for September distributed to support teachers and encourage them to remain at work. This move has helped to keep schools open despite the difficult circumstances.
A teacher in the state emphasized the determination of education workers to continue teaching despite the challenges. The teacher highlighted the importance of education in protecting the future of children and young people, particularly from marginalized communities. The teacher also noted that schools are providing education to displaced people who have fled to West Darfur because of the fighting.
Access to schooling is essential to social stability, according to the teacher. A lack of educational opportunities could aggravate social problems. Student Maqbula Abdo Mohammed echoed this sentiment, describing continued access to education as a source of hope. She praised her teachers for providing education despite the war and noted that pupils remain committed to their studies despite harsh living conditions and the breakdown of state institutions.
Maqbula, a student at El Geneina Secondary School in El Geneina city, also praised the female student who ranked first in the Sudanese Certificate examinations administered under the Tasis government. This achievement is a testament to the resilience of students and teachers in the face of adversity. Despite the challenges posed by the war, students and teachers are working together to ensure that education continues.
The education sector in West Darfur continues to face major challenges from the war, including disruptions to schools and the displacement of residents. However, the commitment of students, teachers, and the state administration to prioritize education has helped to mitigate these challenges. As the conflict continues, the importance of education as a source of hope and stability will likely remain a vital lifeline for communities in West Darfur.
Key points
- Student enrolment is increasing in West Darfur despite the ongoing war.
- The state administration has prioritized education, committing to pay monthly incentives to teachers.
- Schools are providing education to displaced people who have fled to West Darfur because of the fighting.
