Sudan, a developing country located in northeast Africa, has been facing a drought and enduring floods for four consecutive years. Flooding has destroyed tens of thousands of agricultural fields, homes, and infrastructure, like water pipes. Without water pipes, neighborhoods like Umm Zaiedd are left without clean water. This polluted water then results in dehydration and the ubiquitous spread of waterborne diseases, such as cholera. Simultaneously, flooding also improves the breeding conditions of vectors, such as mosquitoes and desert locusts – the “most dangerous migratory pest species in the world” according to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations.

In short, Sudan’s agriculture industry is left afflicted by ruinous floods, drought, and locusts. Inadequate environmental conditions prevent the cultivation of common crops, leaving Sudan with no stable food supply. Thus,the people of Sudan are forced to rely on humanitarian aid organizations, namely the World Food Programme (WPF). However, WPF has suspended rations to ⅓ of the 6 million people in need of humanitarian aid in Sudan, a circumstance described by one news reporter at the Guardian as “taking the food from the hungry to feed the starving.”  

Amidst famine, flooding, and agricultural ruin, major economical and political issues plague Sudan as well. With sixty years of repeated coup attempts, Sudan became plunged into a civil war in 2013, causing the country to be split into South Sudan and Sudan. As a result, millions of people were displaced as they aimed to seek shelter and protection from the bloodshed of war. Even in their attempts to reach safety, in Darfur, Sudan, refugee camps are currently being targeted by the Janjaweed (a militia funded by the government who suppresses rebellions against the Sharia), causing thousands of refugees to be displaced once more and dozens killed.

Unfortunately, there seems to be no near end in sight to Sudan’s suffering – 9.4 million people are predicted to be in need of humanitarian aid, which is 76% of Sudan’s population. However, through your generous donations, we can help improve life for those in Sudan one step at a time.

Flood Responses

After severe floods hit Sudan due to the River Nile rising to record-breaking levels, Islamic Relief Worldwide (IRW) showed their support by providing food packs, access to water, and accessible sanitation services.

IRW is also presently assisting families who have lost their homes due to the floods with tents, hygiene kits, and necessities including blankets, mosquito nets, mats, jerrycans (containers for storing water), soap, shampoo, sanitary pads, toothpaste, and toothbrushes. Of the almost 350,000 people affected by the rain and flooding in Sudan, IRW is able to provide over 2,000 families with humanitarian aid. 

Above all, IRW prioritizes food, shelter, and water to those impacted by the severe flooding: key aspects in sustaining life. 

Water and Women

Constant flooding also means that it’s difficult to access safe water. For this reason, in central Darfur, IRW has created a project that provides families with equitable, affordable, and safe access to clean water. IRW has repaired 30 hand pumps and built two new hand pumps in addition to two mini water yards. Thanks to these repaired and new water sources provided by IRW, over 200 families in Sudan are able to cook, clean, and wash their clothes. In their instability, this accessibility to water provides them with self-sufficiency. 

Alongside this, IRW aims to improve food security, encourage hygiene as well as disease presentation, and reduce sexual violence against women and girls. In Darfur, women and girls spend the majority of their day fetching water. While going out to retrieve water, they’re vulnerable and put at risk of sexual violence and abuse. Therefore, IRW plans to continue combatting this by implementing more accessible clean water sources.

South Sudan Refugees

As a result of the Second Sudanese Civil War, Darfur and border areas in Sudan have become overwhelmed with an influx of South Sudanese refugees who have been displaced from their homes. With such a large population but unstable economy, it's become increasingly difficult to distribute resources and support to the people living in Sudan. In fact, with Sudan being one of the most poorest countries in the world, at least 15% of the general population live under $1.50 a day. They, too, are faced with the adversities of food insecurity, displacement, and the constant threat of violence in their region. (IRW)

IRW is therefore extending their help to South Sudanese refugee camps across Sudan, which provide refugees with food, water, and temporary shelter. One way they provided their assistance at these camps is by building Elkharasana School, a primary school, for the 12,000 South Sudanese refugees living in Sudan. Elkharasana follows Sudan’s system and curriculum to provide these children with a proper education. Regardless of it being a primary school, girls of all ages attend – overcoming the stigma of not having access to education before their life in the camp. For them, education is one of the most powerful and empowering tools they harness. (IRW)

Stuy For Sudan

Our plan is to educate not only our fellow classmates and school faculties, but also our neighborhoods and local mosques on the current crises in Sudan and how anyone can make way for a brighter future for Sudan. 

In school, we have taken the initiative to host events and fundraisers to bring awareness and raise funds for our cause. We have frequently met with each other, thoroughly planned out multiple events, and meticulously crafted a social media campaign through Instagram to spread more information on the struggles faced by the people of Sudan. 

Some of our in-school events include:

• Bake Sales 
• Coin Drives 
• Recreational Stands (ex. Treat-Decorating)
• Educational Games and Activities