Supplies of hope

When fighting reached Sinnar, 9-year-old Wisam and her family were forced to flee to Port Sudan, leaving behind most of their belongings. While Wisam’s memories of that time remain vague, she vividly recalls the heartbreak of leaving some of her most memorable belongings behind.

“I left my toys, books, uniform, bag and pencils,” she says softly, her voice tinged with nostalgia. “My uniform was beautiful.” 

When schools recently reopened, Wisam and her siblings joined a new school. Like many displaced children, they didn’t have sufficient scholastic materials except for a few books, that their parents brought from the nearby shop. With so many pressing challenges, buying Wisam a new school bag was not high on her parents’ list of priorities.

Fortunately, UNICEF stepped in. At Wisam’s new school, and in many other public schools, UNICEF distributed vital school supplies - chalk, backpacks, rulers, notebooks, erasers, coloured pencils and uniforms- ensuring that even in the midst of conflict, displaced children like Wisam could continue their education. In times of emergency, such supplies are critical in upholding children’s right to education. 

A bag full of hope

Now in grade 3, Wisam sits attentively during an English lesson. When it’s time to take notes, she quickly reaches out for her UNICEF backpack, pulling out notebooks, coloured pencils, and other supplies.

“I love my new bag,” she shares excitedly.  “It’s much bigger than the one I had at home.”

Wisam is also an active participant in class, frequently raising her hand to answer questions with confidence. Her bright new uniform adds to her sense of pride and belonging. 

After her classmates leave, Wisam lingers in the empty classroom, absorbed in drawing a flower in her small notebook. Art is her favorite pastime, and now, with her new set of colours, she’s excited to add vibrant shades to her drawings. 

“I will share the colours with my siblings,” she murmurs with a smile.

Sudan is currently facing the world's largest child displacement crisis. Millions of children and families, many displaced multiple times, have fled their homes with little more than the clothes on their backs, often unable to afford basic school supplies. 

As the reopening of schools becomes a priority amid these dire circumstances, UNICEF- supported by the European Union, Education Cannot Wait, and UNICEF regular resources- continues to provide critical education supplies.  

Wisam, like many other children, is benefiting from these efforts. Despite the joys of her new school bag filled with hope, she still longs to return to Sinnar.

“Home is better than here,” she whispers.  “But we can’t go back because of the war. The war is very bad.”