Sudanese refugee leads primary school in Chadian refugee camp

Following the outbreak of war in Sudan in April 2023 between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), millions have been displaced. Chad has become one of Africa’s largest refugee-hosting nations, receiving nearly one million Sudanese refugees.

In eastern Chad, Sahra, a 32-year-old refugee from el-Geneina, has become the head teacher of a primary school established in 2024 by Plan International and partner organizations. The school currently serves 1,059 pupils with a staff of 30 teachers, many of whom are recruited from within the refugee community to provide essential services to displaced families.

The influx of refugees has placed significant strain on Chad’s existing education system, which was already facing a crisis. According to UNICEF, two million young people in Chad cannot read or write, and 75% of pupils are taught by educators whose schooling ended at the secondary level.