Nyala, December 30 (Darfur24)
In the town of Kila, north of Nyala in South Darfur State, a remarkable display of community resilience has brought education back to life. After more than three years of closure, the Kila Mixed School has reopened, with students returning to classrooms thanks to the determined efforts of local volunteers and residents.
Samia Abdel Malik, an activist and volunteer at the school, told Darfur24 that the revival was entirely driven by the community. “Despite scarce resources and a severe shortage of teaching materials, we refused to let our children’s education be another casualty of the conflict,” she said.
The school now accommodates 180 students, but more than 300 remain at home due to financial difficulties, fears for safety, and the modest fees required for registration and weekly contributions in cash or in-kind, such as corn or millet.
“Everything had been looted,” Abdel Malik explained. “Desks, office supplies, teachers’ offices, even the curricula—nothing was left intact. Yet the community came together to rebuild, step by step.”
Abdul Muttalib, head of the school’s educational council, emphasized the critical role of local initiatives. In a letter obtained by Darfur24, he called on authorities to provide essential school supplies, build accommodations for teachers, and improve basic facilities such as toilets, while also offering incentives for teachers and staff.
Since the outbreak of fighting between the Sudanese army and the Rapid Support Forces in April 2023, schools across Darfur have faced closures and disruptions. But in Kila, the determination of volunteers and families demonstrates how local communities are refusing to let the conflict halt the future of their children.
For the residents of Kila, reopening the school is more than restoring education. It is a symbol of hope, resilience, and the power of collective action in the face of adversity.