Salesians to Rebuild 2 Schools in Sudan

The Salesians to Rebuild 2 Schools in Sudan

Will restore hope to 581 children affected by civil war

(ANS – Khartoum, Sudan – October 28, 2026) – The civil war in Sudan, which began in April 2023, has left the country devastated, with millions displaced and numerous schools, hospitals, and homes destroyed.

In Khartoum, the capital, the fighting has also severely affected the facilities of the Salesian mission, which for decades has been providing education, vocational training, and support to thousands of vulnerable families.

After more than 3 years of conflict, the material damage has been compounded by an economic crisis that prevents many families from meeting basic needs, such as feeding their children and providing them with an education. Many children have been out of school for a long time, leaving them vulnerable to child labor, exploitation, and other risky situations.

The provincial delegate for Sudan, Fr. Joseph Can, traveled to Khartoum to assess the damage. While finding the situation relatively calm in the areas he visited, he noted the deterioration of schools, workshops, parish centers, and other mission facilities. Fortunately, much of the infrastructure can be restored. To this end, the Salesians have launched a program of gradual rehabilitation, with the aim of returning these educational and social spaces to the communities.

Two schools damaged by the war and 581 children in need of a return to education

Among the priorities are the schools in Al Gubba and Al Gadisiya, linked to the Salesian parish of St. Joseph in Kalakla, in the southern part of Khartoum. The former has 287 pupils—161 girls and 126 boys; the latter has 294 pupils—155 girls and 139 boys. In total, the 2 schools are attended by 581 children from families who have suffered displacement, financial loss, and the direct consequences of violence.

Both schools have suffered significant damage to classrooms, doors, windows, furniture, and water and electricity systems. At Al Gadisiya, it will also be necessary to assess the safety of an upper floor whose construction has not been completed.

The works involve the refurbishment of 12 classrooms or rooms and 2 blocks of toilet facilities in each school, the restoration of essential utilities, and the purchase of school furniture. School uniforms and teaching materials are also provided for all pupils, along with financial support for the 26 teachers and 4 support staff working at the 2 schools.

The resumption of teaching activities, in fact, does not depend solely on the reconstruction of the buildings. Many families have lost their jobs and lack the necessary resources to buy school supplies or ensure their children have adequate nutrition.

Much more than just repairing classrooms: nutrition, protection, and community life to rebuild the future

Therefore the Salesians plan to provide a daily meal to the 581 pupils, helping to combat hunger, improve concentration, and encourage school attendance. The initiatives also include sporting activities, hygiene education, psychosocial support, and child protection measures, so that children can find a safe and stable environment in schools.

The schools also serve as an example of coexistence in a country deeply scarred by violence: 388 pupils are Muslim and 193 are Christian, and they all share the same classrooms without any religious distinctions.

The Salesians arrived in Sudan in 1980 and were the last religious congregation to leave the country at the height of the war, when it was no longer possible to guarantee their own safety. They have now returned to contribute, thru educational reconstruction, to restoring trust and cohesion within the communities.

Restoring the chance to study to these 581 boys and girls means much more than simply repairing buildings: it means offering them protection, stability, and an opportunity to build a different future.