Wisam returns to school in war-torn Sudan with pride and belonging
As children displaced by conflict in Sudan find their place in new classrooms, UNICEF school supplies support learning and integration.
When fighting reached the city of Sinnar in Sudan, nine-year-old Wisam and her family were forced to flee to Port Sudan in the east of the country, 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 treasured belongings behind.
"I left my toys, books, uniform, bag and pencils,” she says softly, her voice tinged with nostalgia. “My uniform was beautiful."
Wisam’s situation reflects the millions of children and families in Sudan that are displaced, fleeing their homes with little more than the clothes on their backs and forcing the closure of schools. After some time, Wisam and her siblings had the opportunity to resume their learning, joining a new school. Like many displaced children, they didn’t have sufficient school materials, only a few books that their parents bought from the nearby shop. With so many pressing challenges, it was difficult for her parents to afford new school supplies.
Recognizing the needs of children in Wisam’s school and many other public schools, UNICEF distributed vital school supplies – chalk, backpacks, rulers, notebooks, erasers, coloured pencils and uniforms – helping to ensure that even in the midst of conflict, displaced children like Wisam can continue their education. In times of emergency, basic school supplies are critical to upholding children’s right to education.
A bag full of hope
Now in grade three, Wisam sits attentively during an English lesson. When it’s time to take notes, she quickly reaches out for her backpack, pulling out notebooks, pencils and her eraser.
“I love my new bag,” she shares excitedly. “It’s much bigger than the one I had at home.”
Wisam is an active participant in class, frequently raising her hand to answer questions with confidence. With her bright new uniform, she has a sense of pride and belonging.
After her classmates leave, Wisam lingers in the empty classroom, absorbed in drawing a flower in her 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.
While Wisam, like many other children, is benefiting from these efforts, 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.”
Based on a story originally published on UNICEF Sudan.
