Education

The problem: 1.8 million[1] of school age children are out of school. The gross education enrolment ratio (GER) for basic education is 73.2% (74.6% boys and 69.3% girls), with great variation between regions.

 The literacy rate of 15-24 years old is 61% for males and 49% for females in 2009 (Census 2008).

Quality of education in many parts of North Sudan is not at adequate level.  Lack of learning materials, insufficient number of trained/qualified teachers and supervisors, poor learning environment, inadequate health and sanitation facilities, are seriously hinder children’s effective learning. 

What we do:

Using an integrated approach of SHIELD “Safe, Healthy, Inclusive, Effective teaching and Learning in Development”, Save the Children focuses on providing access to quality education for the most vulnerable children both in emergency and non-emergency situations - particularly targeting IDPs, returnees, nomads and host/rural communities.  We work in partnership with local civil society organizations, government and  local communities.

Early childhood care and development:

This programme focuses on children at pre-school age (3-5 years) to improve their readiness to school.  Our activities include establishment of pre-school classes, provision of teaching, learning and play materials and training of teachers/animators and engagement of parents and school administrations. 

Basic education:

In partnership with Ministry of Education and using community-based approach, Save the Children provides access to quality basic education for school age children (6-13 years) by establishing schools/ learning spaces with adequate WASH facilities, supporting schools’ activities and promoting children’ participation. We also support in-service training for teachers, provide relevant teaching and learning materials, as well as strengthen the capacity of headmasters and supervisors to ensure appropriate coaching and mentoring of teachers.  

We provide extensive trainings and awareness raising sessions/campaigns for communities, parents and teachers associations (PTAs) and the staff of the Ministry of Education..

Accelerated learning program:

To provide learning opportunities for out of school children, we support the establishment of alternative basic education/accelerated learning centers; provide learning and teaching materials and teachers’ training.

Vocational training:

We support small scale project by providing youth, in particularly females, with livelihood skills and start - up materials to enhance their livelihood status.