Apply Now: Improve Access and Quality of Education in Darfur States (Sudan)

UNICEF is inviting applications from qualified partners to support safe, inclusive, and quality education opportunities for conflict-affected children and adolescents in Sudan. The initiative will reopen schools, establish Safe Learning Spaces, strengthen teacher capacity, provide learning materials, and expand formal and non-formal education services across five Darfur states.

Overview of the UNICEF Sudan Safe Learning Programme

The United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) is seeking partners to implement an education recovery programme designed to support children and adolescents affected by conflict in Sudan.

The initiative focuses on restoring access to education, improving learning outcomes, and creating safe and inclusive learning environments in:

• East Darfur.
• South Darfur.
• Central Darfur.
• North Darfur.
• West Darfur.

The programme combines formal education support, non-formal learning opportunities, teacher development, psychosocial support, and child protection activities.

Purpose of the Programme

The main objective of the UNICEF initiative is to ensure that conflict-affected children can access safe, inclusive, and quality learning opportunities.

The programme aims to:

• Reopen schools affected by conflict.
• Establish Safe Learning Spaces.
• Improve foundational literacy and numeracy.
• Strengthen teacher capacity.
• Support education continuity during emergencies.
• Provide psychosocial and child protection support.
• Expand access to formal and non-formal education.

Key Focus Areas

The programme supports several education and protection priorities, including:

• Education in Emergencies (EiE).
• Learning recovery.
• Foundational literacy.
• Foundational numeracy.
• Safe learning environments.
• Teacher capacity development.
• Psychosocial support.
• Child protection.
• Non-formal education.
• Adolescent skills development.

School Reopening and Safe Learning Spaces

A major component of the initiative is the reopening of schools and establishment of Safe Learning Spaces for children affected by conflict.

The programme will support:

• Safe classroom environments.
• Inclusive learning opportunities.
• School management improvement.
• Community engagement.
• Learning continuity during emergencies.

A total of 182 government schools will receive school-based grants and material support to strengthen education delivery.

School-Based Support Activities

The programme will provide assistance to schools through:

• Learning materials.
• School support grants.
• Teacher incentives.
• School management strengthening.
• Community mobilisation activities.

These activities aim to help schools reopen safely and provide consistent learning opportunities.

Teacher Support and Capacity Development

Teacher development is a central part of the programme.

The initiative will support:

• 1,468 teachers through incentives to maintain teaching continuity.
• Training for education stakeholders.
• Training for inspectors and head teachers.
• Support for learner-centred teaching approaches.

Capacity-building activities include:

• Foundational literacy and numeracy methods.
• Activity-based learning strategies.
• Classroom management.
• Safe and inclusive teaching practices.

Teacher Training Targets

The programme will provide training to:

• 263 inspectors and head teachers on foundational literacy and numeracy approaches.
• 1,222 teachers on learner-centred and activity-based teaching strategies.

These activities aim to improve teaching quality and support children returning to education after disruption.

Improving Foundational Literacy and Numeracy

The programme will support children who have experienced learning loss due to conflict.

Activities include:

• Distribution of textbooks.
• Provision of additional learning materials.
• Classroom learning support.
• Foundational literacy activities.
• Numeracy improvement activities.

A total of 45,500 students will receive textbooks and learning materials to strengthen basic education skills.

Psychosocial Support and Child Protection

Conflict can have significant effects on children’s emotional wellbeing.

The programme will strengthen:

• Psychosocial support services.
• Child protection mechanisms.
• Community awareness activities.
• Child protection clubs in schools.

Schools will receive structured support to become safer and more resilient learning environments.

Community Engagement and School Reopening Campaigns

The programme will involve families and communities in education recovery efforts.

Activities will include:

• School reopening campaigns.
• Community awareness sessions.
• Engagement with parents and caregivers.
• Promotion of safe learning environments.

Community participation will help encourage school attendance and support children’s return to learning.

Expansion of Non-Formal Education and Safe Learning Spaces

The initiative will strengthen alternative education pathways for children who cannot immediately access formal schooling.

The programme will support:

• 148 non-formal education centres and Safe Learning Spaces.
• 15,540 children completing non-formal education programmes.
• Learning materials for 22,200 students.
• Training and incentives for 444 facilitators.

These services will provide flexible learning opportunities for children affected by displacement and conflict.

Why This Programme Matters

Conflict has disrupted education systems and created significant barriers for children in Sudan.

The UNICEF programme helps address these challenges by:

• Restoring access to education.
• Supporting children affected by emergencies.
• Reducing learning gaps.
• Improving teacher skills.
• Creating safer learning environments.
• Strengthening community involvement in education.

Education recovery plays an important role in protecting children’s future opportunities and supporting long-term community resilience.

Who Can Apply?

UNICEF is seeking qualified organisations with the capacity to implement education and humanitarian programmes.

Applicants should demonstrate experience in areas such as:

• Education in Emergencies.
• School-based education support.
• Teacher training.
• Non-formal education.
• Child protection.
• Psychosocial support.
• Community engagement.

Eligible organisations should have:

• Technical expertise.
• Operational capacity.
• Experience working in conflict-affected areas.
• Ability to manage education programmes.
• Strong monitoring and reporting systems.

Programme Outcomes

The initiative aims to achieve three major outcomes:

Outcome 1: Improved Access to Safe Education

Expected results include:

• Reopened schools.
• Functional Safe Learning Spaces.
• Increased access to formal and non-formal education.

Outcome 2: Improved Learning Quality

Expected results include:

• Better teaching practices.
• Increased teacher capacity.
• Improved literacy and numeracy outcomes.

Outcome 3: Stronger Education System Resilience

Expected results include:

• Improved school management.
• Stronger community engagement.
• Better emergency education response systems.

How to Apply

Organisations interested in applying should prepare proposals that include:

Step 1: Identify Target Areas

Applicants should specify:

• Target states.
• Target localities.
• Communities to be supported.

Step 2: Develop a Programme Plan

Proposals should describe:

• Key activities.
• Expected results.
• Beneficiary targets.
• Implementation approach.

Step 3: Prepare Budget and Timeline

Applications should include:

• Detailed budgets.
• Work plans.
• Implementation timelines.
• Resource requirements.

Step 4: Submit the Proposal

Applicants must submit proposals according to UNICEF requirements.

Proposals may cover:

• All programme outcomes.
• A combination of selected outcomes.
• One or multiple target states.

Monitoring and Implementation Requirements

Selected partners will be expected to:

• Monitor education activities.
• Track beneficiaries.
• Report progress.
• Measure learning outcomes.
• Document challenges and achievements.

Monitoring will support programme improvement and ensure effective use of resources.

Tips for Preparing a Strong Application

Applicants should:

• Demonstrate previous education emergency experience.
• Clearly explain implementation methods.
• Provide realistic budgets.
• Define measurable targets.
• Include strong monitoring plans.
• Highlight experience working with vulnerable children.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Applicants should avoid:

• Submitting incomplete proposals.
• Providing unclear activity plans.
• Failing to explain community engagement strategies.
• Underestimating operational challenges.
• Not including measurable outcomes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the UNICEF Sudan Safe Learning Programme?

The UNICEF Sudan Safe Learning Programme supports conflict-affected children by reopening schools, establishing Safe Learning Spaces, improving teaching quality, and expanding education opportunities.

Which areas of Sudan will the programme support?

The programme will support children and schools in East Darfur, South Darfur, Central Darfur, North Darfur, and West Darfur.

How many schools will receive support?

A total of 182 government schools will receive school-based grants and material support.

How many teachers will benefit from the programme?

The initiative will support 1,468 teachers through incentives and provide additional training to education personnel.

What are Safe Learning Spaces?

Safe Learning Spaces are child-friendly education environments designed to provide learning opportunities and support children affected by emergencies.

How many children will benefit from learning materials?

The programme will provide textbooks and learning materials to 45,500 students.

Can organisations apply for only part of the programme?

Yes. Organisations may submit proposals covering all three outcomes or a combination of specific outcomes and may work in one or multiple target states.

Conclusion

The UNICEF Sudan Education Programme provides an important opportunity to restore education access and improve learning outcomes for children affected by conflict. Through school reopening, Safe Learning Spaces, teacher training, learning materials, and community-based support, the initiative aims to build a safer and more resilient education system for children and adolescents across Sudan.