The National Student Fund in Sudan has begun a significant reconstruction effort to restore student cities damaged by the war between the Sudanese army and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). According to Dr. Ahmed Hamza, Secretary-General of the fund, the total cost of reconstruction is estimated to be around $183.5 million, excluding the cost of states that have not yet been liberated. The fund aims to rebuild and restore student cities, enabling students to return to their university accommodations and academic institutions.
The state of Khartoum has suffered the most damage, with an estimated reconstruction cost of $106.7 million for student cities and dormitories. The destruction was particularly severe in the city of Shahid Ali Abd al-Fattah, which once accommodated 5,000 students, and the former "Barracks" dormitory, which also housed 5,000 students. The fund's headquarters was also completely targeted and looted, with all its equipment and furnishings stolen, at a cost of $50,000 to repair. Other states, such as Gezira and Sennar, have also been affected, with estimated reconstruction costs of $15.9 million and $8.9 million, respectively.
Dr. Hamza described the reconstruction effort as a "national epic" that involves not only rebuilding but also providing support to students affected by the war. The fund has implemented the first phase of reconstruction, rehabilitating damaged dormitories in various states, including Gezira, Red Sea, and Northern states. The project was undertaken with the help of state governments, local communities, and donations from well-wishers. Notably, students themselves, who were trained in various skills through the fund's projects, participated in the reconstruction efforts.
The fund has made significant progress in reconstruction, completing over 60% of the work in directly affected states. At the University of Khartoum, which opened its dormitories despite incomplete maintenance, the fund still faces a shortage of accommodation. However, with the opening of new dormitories, such as those in the Tarbia and Abd al-Salam Khudr areas, the fund expects to provide shelter for all Khartoum students by the third week of November.
The second phase of reconstruction in Khartoum is underway, with seven residential complexes being prepared to accommodate 5,000 students. The fund has partnered with various universities to provide accommodation for their students, including those from Omdurman Islamic University and the University of Khartoum. The complexes will provide temporary shelter for students until their permanent accommodations are ready.
Dr. Hamza reflected on the impact of the war on students, describing it as a test of the Sudanese people's resilience. He noted that despite the challenges, the war had also brought out the best in the Sudanese people, with many citizens opening their homes to displaced students and the fund's dormitories serving as temporary shelters. The fund has provided various services, including psychological support, healthcare, and meals, to students in its dormitories.
The fund is seeking to adopt a new strategy that focuses on self-sufficiency and investment, rather than relying solely on government support. This includes promoting skills development and entrepreneurship among students, with the aim of transforming them from recipients of support to productive members of society. The fund has also launched initiatives, such as the "Karama" festival, which aims to promote national unity, support the armed forces, and foster a culture of peace and tolerance.
Key points
- The National Student Fund's reconstruction effort aims to rebuild student cities devastated by the war in Sudan.
- The fund has made significant progress in reconstruction, completing over 60% of the work in directly affected states.
- The fund is seeking to adopt a new strategy that focuses on self-sufficiency and investment, promoting skills development and entrepreneurship among students.
