By Adil Juma CEN | September 25, 2025 | Maban, South Sudan
Doro Refugee Camp – On September 18, Radio Salam, a Community Engagement Network (CEN)–run station, aired a special education program highlighting the importance of school vacations for students in refugee settings. The discussion featured insights from Mr. Sharafdin Asaid, a teacher at Agar Air Primary School, along with reflections from students themselves.
Mr. Asaid explained that vacations are a vital part of the academic calendar, offering students the much-needed chance to rest and recharge.
“School vacations are a designated period provided by school administrations to allow students to rest,” he said. He added that the break helps learners refresh mentally, recover from academic stress, and return to class with renewed focus. To ensure continuity, teachers also provide assignments for students to complete during the holiday.
He further encouraged students to remain nearby during the break. “Students should avoid traveling far during the vacation to ensure they don’t miss any lessons when school resumes,” Mr. Asaid advised.
For students like Marian Mohammed, the holidays are not only a time to relax but also to contribute to family and community life. “We help our families at home, visit relatives, friends, and neighbors, engage in farming activities—especially during this season—and review previous lessons,” Marian shared.
Beyond academics, school vacations in refugee camps provide an important balance between learning and daily responsibilities. They give children and youth space to strengthen family bonds, practice life skills, and stay connected to their cultural and social environment.
In communities where access to education is often disrupted by displacement, initiatives like these highlight the resilience of learners and educators. By bringing such conversations to air, Radio Salam continues to play a crucial role in empowering refugee and host communities through timely, relevant, and life-changing broadcasts.
