Small inputs, big gains
Improving learning environments, transforming learning for pupils in Port Sudan
In Port Sudan’s Elrayan Primary school for girls, learning used to be a daily struggle. Pupils endured congested, sweltering classrooms that often made it impossible to concentrate. Many missed classes when the heat became unbearable, while others dropped out altogether.
The lack of proper sanitation facilities posed another challenge - especially for adolescent girl managing their menstrual hygiene. Unlike other schools, Elrayan had no ceiling fans or access to electricity or solar power.
“The situation was appalling. Children suffered from heat strokes, especially during the summer when it was hottest,”
A turning point through education grants
Everything began to change when the school received grant through a UNICEF-supported programme, with support from the Global Partnership for Education (GPE) and the European Union (EU).
The grant connected the school to the electricity grid, allowing new ceiling fans to be installed- a seemingly small change that transformed the learning environment.
“Previously, our classroom was very hot. Now, with the fans, we no longer feel the heat—I feel comfortable and happy being in school,” shared Shaimaa, a grade six pupil.
“While these may seem simple improvements, they are crucial to creating safer and more conducive spaces for learning,” added Ashwag.
Simple changes, lasting impact
The support went beyond electricity. With UNICEF’s assistance to the school built two additional classrooms to accommodate more students, new sanitation and hygiene facilities, and received essential school supplies for both teachers and pupils, as well as recreational kits.
“The new latrines are nice and clean, and we have water connected to them,” said Lemar, a Grade six pupil with excitement.
Breaking barriers to girls’ education
The improvements not only enhanced the learning environment but also boosted school enrolment.
“Our enrollment surged from just 100 to over 300 pupils in a short time,” said Ashwag proudly.
This growth is a testament to how targeted support and school infrastructure development can break down barriers to education especially for displaced and vulnerable children—and open doors to a brighter future.
A brighter future for every child
Today, classrooms at Elrayan are well-it, cool, and equipped for learning. Pupils have the supplies they need to write their future- one day, one lesson at a time. Beyond academics, they take part in play, sports, drama, and school club activities that nurture confidence, teamwork, and joy.
Indeed, at Elrayan Primary School, small inputs have led to big gains—turning a once stifling environment into a place of growth, hope, and possibility.
