Back to Learning, Back to Safety

From a distance, Dabba Naira village school looks quiet—almost still. But as you step inside, the silence gives way to life: the hum of voices, laughter spilling through open windows, and classrooms filled to the brim with eager children. After years of conflict and displacement, families who fled the fighting in Al Fasher are finally seeing their children return to school.

For these children, school is far more than lessons. It is protection from violence, abuse and exploitation. It is a safe place to play, reconnect with peers, and reclaim a sense of normalcy in a life marked by upheaval.

Parents and caregivers are taking the lead—registering their children, mobilizing neighbours, and ensuring every school-aged child is back where they belong. With support from partners, including UNICEF, thousands of children in Tawila are stepping back into the classroom for the first time in years.

A first day at last

Seven-year-old Aya sits quietly among her new classmates. It is her first day ever in school—something that fighting back home had made impossible.

With wide eyes and a shy smile, she whispers, “I wish I can get a bag to keep my books and pencils.”

Nearby, nine-year-old Yousra beams as she settles down. She loved school back home, but the conflict abruptly ended her learning journey. Arriving in Tawila and hearing that schools had reopened felt like a miracle. Today, she is back in class—hope restored.

A deepening learning crisis

Across Sudan, the learning crisis is worsening. More than 80 per cent of school-aged children are out of school. Many have been displaced multiple times, and hundreds of schools have been damaged or repurposed as shelters. Even where schools remain open, access is severely limited.

Millions of children are at risk of falling behind—or never returning to school at all.

Education: a lifeline in conflict

Despite these challenges, communities in Tawila are determined to keep learning alive. UNICEF is prioritizing school reopening, supporting teachers and families, and distributing essential scholastic materials—books, pens, pencils, teaching supplies, and recreational kits—so displaced children can continue their education.

“We have received so many children in the schools that have reopened,” said Leila Ahmed, UNICEF Information Management Officer.

“For these children, school is not only about learning. It is a safe space to play, make new friends, sing, laugh—and all of this is critical for their healing.”

Eleven-year-old Mortada arrived just days ago. After three years stuck in grade two due to displacement and conflict, he can finally catch up.

Dreams that survive conflict

With her pen and book held tightly, seven-year-old Samar walks into class with purpose. She dreams of becoming a teacher - “to share knowledge and help children learn even during difficult circumstances like these.”

Behind every child in Tawila is a story of loss—but also resilience.

As violence continues to displace thousands, UNICEF is scaling up its support, ensuring children have access to education, protection, health and psychosocial support services. For families who have lost nearly everything, the simple act of going back to school brings stability, dignity and a pathway to healing.