Sudan’s school year has started, but many schools in the Darfur region were unable to open this year because they had been transformed into makeshift camps for people displaced by the conflict.
Since February this year, large groups of internally displaced persons (IDPs) have began settling in schools, increasing the tension between the host community and displaced people.
For many fleeing the conflict, schools like Mustaqbal Primary School in Al-Geneina provided a temporary shelter from the fighting. Approximately 4,560 people crammed into its schoolyard and slept out in the open underneath plastic bags and twigs.
Construction begins on Kerinding II
Islamic Relief Response
Islamic Relief, in its continuing efforts to improve the conditions of the displaced population, has opened up a new camp, Kerinding II, near Al-Geneina for families who have taken up residence in the region’s schools.
Relocation to Kerinding II
On the 3rd and 4th of September, over 2000 people were relocated from the Mustaqbal Primary School to the new camp in Kerinding. This follows the relocation of over 1000 people from the Zahara and Thoura schools to Kerinding II in August.
In the Kerinding II camp, new residents receive food, plastic sheeting, soap, jerrycans and local building materials to build traditional homes.
IR staff also installed two water bladder tanks to hold 8,500 litres of water.
Urgent Need
The humanitarian need in West Darfur is enormous. Thousands of people fled the fighting, leaving everything behind them.
Islamic Relief is assisting the displaced population. Plans are underway to construct a temporary school and to begin a school meals programme in partnership with the UN. Residents of the Kerinding II camp will also be serviced by a mobile clinic.
Your donation can bring a little comfort to the distressed people of Darfur.