Doha: Education Above All (EAA) Foundation and UNICEF have unveiled a new program aimed at providing educational support to over 158,000 out-of-school children in Sudan. The initiative will offer quality education and life-skills development through safe learning environments equipped with both in-person and e-learning facilities, along with health and child protection services.

According to Qatar News Agency, Sudan is currently experiencing the world's largest education crisis. With more than five million children displaced and schools frequently damaged or repurposed as shelters, only 13 percent of school-aged children are currently enrolled or regularly attending classes. The use of approximately 3,000 schools as temporary shelters for displaced families has compounded the issue, limiting educational access for millions across the country.

In a statement, Dr. Mary Joy Pigozzi, Executive Director of EAA Foundation's Educate A Child program, emphasized the longstanding partnership between EAA Foundation and UNICEF, which has spanned over 13 years and has supported more than five million children globally to overcome educational barriers. Dr. Pigozzi reiterated the commitment to ensuring Sudanese children have the opportunity to access education and continue learning despite prevailing challenges.

Sheldon Yett, UNICEF Representative to Sudan, highlighted the detrimental effects of displacing children from their homes and interrupting their education. He expressed gratitude for the continued collaboration with EAA Foundation, which allows the delivery of essential learning opportunities and critical services to children affected by conflict. The joint project, valued at USD 3.3 million, aims to create safe and accessible learning spaces, helping children to resume their education and addressing the learning crisis in Sudan.