By Adil Juma (CEN) | September 29, 2025 | Genderassa Camp, Maban
In Genderassa Camp, the reopening of schools on September 22, 2025, has been overshadowed by an urgent concern: low student attendance, especially for the male students. For many children living in displacement, education is more than just lessons in a classroom; it is a pathway to safety, stability, and hope for the future.
During a community coordination meeting broadcast on Radio Salam, a Community Engagement Network (CEN)-run station, Musa Ahmed, Assistant Education Coordinator for the Lutheran World Federation (LWF), voiced his concern about the weak turnout in schools.
“We need parents to send their children to school. Education is the foundation of our future,” Ahmed stressed, noting that without education, children risk being left behind in opportunities for growth and protection.
To help families, Ahmed announced that school supplies will be distributed within the week, easing some of the financial barriers that often keep children out of classrooms. He also confirmed that Grade 8 mock examinations are scheduled to begin soon across all camps, an important milestone in preparing learners for national assessments.
Mr. Jaden, head of the Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) in Genderassa, pointed to deeper challenges faced by children and their families. “The absence of school meals and weak support from families at home are keeping students out of class,” he explained, underlining the need for comprehensive support that goes beyond the classroom.
The coordination meeting, which brought together humanitarian agencies and camp leadership, emphasized that education in emergencies must remain a priority. Beyond learning, schools provide children with protection, psychosocial support, and a sense of normalcy in crisis settings.
As concerns grow, stakeholders are calling for renewed investment in education programs, including the reintroduction of school feeding initiatives, increased parental sensitization, and sustained humanitarian support. Without urgent action, many children in Genderassa risk being denied not only their right to education but also the opportunity to build a brighter future.
