Ahfad University for Women in Sudan continues to emphasize the importance of strengthening connections between students and rural communities through the Summer Training Attachment (STA) program. at UNAI member institution. The School of Rural Extension Education and Development (REED) initiative supports students’ direct engagement with rural populations and provides practical experience in the implementation of development projects, offering valuable insights into community-based learning at the village level.
The objectives of the STA program include:
- Gather Village Profile Data: Collecting detailed information on the village’s demographics, infrastructure, services, and socio-economic conditions.
- Establish Connections with Local Stakeholders: Engaging with village leaders, residents, and community organizations to build trust, promote collaboration, and understand local perspectives.
The STA program had been suspended since April 2023 when war broke out in the country. During this time, the university faced immense challenges, including the migration and displacement of the vast majority of its students and staff. Those who remained continued their work under constant threats of bombing and violence, and lacked the basic necessities such as water, electricity, and internet.
Despite these hardships, Ahfad University for Women remains firmly committed to the mission of education, community service, and social responsibility. This year, the institution announced that the program has resumed under the theme: “We do not learn from our experiences; we learn from processing our experiences.” As part of this renewed effort, twenty students from the School of REED have been successfully placed across four villages. While these areas have been affected by conflict and displacement, they have been carefully assessed and deemed relatively safe for fieldwork. The selected villages are:
Qarsila Village – Darfur Region
Qarsila Village is located in western Sudan, within the Darfur region. Though significantly affected by the ongoing conflict since 2003, the village remains known for its natural beauty and resources, including fruit-bearing trees and green pastures. It is a community rich in history and diverse cultural traditions.
Al-Kamir Village – River Nile State
Al-Kamir Village is situated in Al-Matammah locality of River Nile State in northern Sudan and offers a valuable site for field-based learning. Students engage with residents, participate in community dialogues, and observe local development efforts.
Um Ashosh – Darfur State
Um Ashosh is located in the Darfur state of Sudan. Known for its fertile lands and agricultural importance, Um Ashosh faces challenges such as poverty, reliance on vulnerable traditional farming, and shortages in health and education services. Targeted interventions are needed to improve agricultural methods and diversify livelihoods.
Hamad Al-Nil Village – South Al-Jazeera, Barakat Administrative Unit
Hamad Al-Nil Village struggles with high poverty levels, especially among displaced and marginalized groups. Inter-tribal conflicts threaten social stability, making community engagement and data collection vital.
Through this experience, students develop a deeper understanding of the realities of poverty, displacement, and community development which is essential in preparing future professionals who are grounded in real-world challenges and are capable of contributing meaningful solutions.
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