What in the World Sudan: Studying in a war zone
Nov 18, 2025
Maha El Gaml, a BBC journalist in Cairo, sheds light on the dire educational crisis in war-torn Sudan. With schools closed or repurposed as shelters, students are struggling amid two years of conflict. She discusses the challenges of online learning, including economic barriers and insufficient connectivity. Voices of students reveal their isolation and distractions while studying from home. Despite the odds, some schools in Khartoum are gradually reopening, as efforts to restore daily life and education begin to take shape.
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War's Massive Impact On Education
- Sudan's 2023 civil war has massively disrupted education with over half of schools in conflict zones and millions displaced.
- The UN calls it the world's biggest humanitarian crisis with 150,000+ killed and ~12 million displaced.
Online Learning Isn't A Full Solution
- Online education expanded where possible but faces limits from poor internet and worsening economics.
- Families often cannot afford sustained data or devices, deepening educational inequality.
A Teen's Struggle With Home Learning
- Khaled, 14, studies online in Northern Sudan but finds home study noisy, isolating and full of distractions.
- He says data costs are high and online classes limit asking questions or getting help.