Teachers’ Committee: Opening Schools Risks Students and Staff Amid Dire Conditions
Spokesman Sami Al-Bagir Highlights Teacher Exodus, Low Pay, and Severe Classroom Shortages
Teachers’ Committee: Opening Schools Risks Students and Staff Amid Dire Conditions – Spokesman Sami Al-Bagir Highlights Teacher Exodus, Low Pay, and Severe Classroom Shortages – Khartoum Highlight – Interview
The spokesman of the Sudanese Teachers’ Committee, Sami Al-Bagir, told Khartoum Highlight that teaching is no longer attractive. He said many teachers are abandoning the profession due to low salaries and the devastating impact of war. Al-Bagir revealed that thousands of teachers have migrated to Gulf countries, African neighbors, Egypt, and Libya. He stressed that new recruitment faces obstacles, as weak salaries discourage graduates from joining the profession. Al-Bagir described Khartoum State’s announcement to reopen schools as a risk to students, teachers, and education staff.
Economic Pressures and War Impact
He explained that the main reason is economic, with unpaid salaries and their loss of value worsening the situation. War has caused displacement, looting, and insecurity, making many teachers unwilling to continue teaching.
Teacher Exodus
Al-Bagir confirmed that large numbers of teachers have left Sudan, fleeing war and seeking jobs after salary cuts. While there are no accurate statistics, observations indicate massive numbers leaving for Gulf and neighboring countries.
Severe Teacher Shortages
In Gezira State alone, teacher shortages have reached 19,000, a crisis Al-Bagir said cannot be fixed quickly. Recruitment is hindered by poor pay and demands for overdue salaries and benefits from current teachers.
Unsafe Learning Environment
He noted that schools are used as shelters, some containing war remnants, and the state has not addressed safety. The Teachers’ Committee demanded salary payments, safe environments, and proper inspections before reopening schools.
Classroom and Book Shortages
Al-Bagir also pointed out severe shortages of desks and textbooks, with no real solutions presented by authorities. He said the state relies on promises and policies of imposed reality, ignoring the impossibility of implementation.
