KHARTOUM, October 29, 2015 — The World Bank Group and the Sudanese Federal Ministry of Education successfully concluded the Mid-Term Review of the Basic Education Recovery Project in collaboration with the Global Partnership for Education (GPE). Today’s event concludes a two-week joint review which included a four-day mission to Kassala State. The project, funded by a US$ 76.5 million grant from the Global Partnership for Education, reaches communities in eleven States, including in the Darfur region, and is implemented by the Sudanese Federal Ministry of Education.
“This project is different. In addition to constructing schools in some of Sudan’s neediest areas in terms of education, it is also helping to build an education system for Sudan that can provide and sustain those services,” said Suad Abdel-Razig, Federal Minister of Education, Republic of Sudan. “The engagement of the Government at Federal, State, and locality levels is of critical importance. We are committed to making this project a success. I would like to thank the World Bank Group and the Global Partnership for Education for their support and assistance in this important initiative.”
Despite Sudan’s efforts to increase children’s access to education and improvements in conflict-affected areas, several challenges remain. The Basic Education Recovery Project (2013-2017) helps address the needs of Sudan’s most vulnerable and isolated communities and seeks to improve their educational status. Project components also focus on increasing the availability of textbooks as well as strengthening education planning and teaching management systems.
“Supporting Sudan’s economic transition remains one of our key priorities at the World Bank Group. We are pleased to work with the Global Partnership for Education to ensure that the next generation has the skills to participate fully in society and the economy,” said Xavier Furtado, World Bank Country Representative to Sudan. “I would also like to acknowledge the support from UNICEF as the coordinating agency in the education sector, as well as other partners, such as UKAid and the European Union, for contributing to education in Sudan.”
“We are pleased about the progress that Sudan has made under difficult circumstances. Building a strong education system ensuring that all children - irrespective of their location, gender, ethnicity or religion - get a quality education is core to the development of a strong economy,” said Alice Albright, Chief Executive Officer, Global Partnership for Education.
Sudan joined the Global Partnership for Education in 2012, and has since received a grant to assist the country in implementing its Interim Basic Education Strategy (2012-2014). Sudan is currently implementing its sector strategy for 2015/16-2016/17 and will soon commence the development of a full education sector plan covering 2017-2021.
The World Bank’s role in this project complements its ongoing technical assistance to Sudan’s agricultural, financial, and environmental sectors, and comes as a part of the Bank’s role as a supervising entity for the GPE grant in Sudan.
