Uncertain future for displaced South Darfur pupils

The continued study of more than 25,000 displaced pupils at camp Kalma for the displaced in South Darfur is facing challenges in both the short and longer term. Speaking to Radio Dabanga on Thursday, the head of education at the camp, Abdullah Mohamed Suleiman, said that the immediate challenge is the seasonal rain, which has forced all 15 schools at the camp to suspend classes. “The rain has caused classrooms to collapse, but we also have a chronic shortage of teaching aids,” he said. Suleiman said that the education administration at camp Kalma holds the government and international organisations responsible for the lack of support for the schools for the displaced. “Our pupils are facing difficult situations in an unstable study situation. This also makes the parents of the students concerned about their children’s future.” Suleiman appealed to the Ministry of Education, international organisations and Unamid to expedite provision of tents and plastic sheets for displaced schools. File photo: School’s out! The harsh climate in Darfur takes a heavy toll on school buildings. Behind these Darfuri schoolboys, a blackboard is exposed to the elements in a collapsed classroom. (Albert González Farran/Unamid) Related: 500 homes destroyed by flood in South Darfur camp for displaced (19 July 2013) ‘Admin, logistic delays postpone start of Central Darfur school year’: Minister (21 June 2013) South Darfur Education Ministry delays start of school year for girls (17 June 2013)