More than 14 million people have been forced to flee their homes since rival militaries erupted into war in Sudan in April 2023, making it the world’s largest displacement crisis.
How the DAFI Programme Keeps Students Enrolled
The scholarship funding covers tuition and living costs for students caught in the conflict. Sarah Tekhlu, a refugee from Eritrea and kindergarten teacher studying information management at Comboni College in Khartoum, stated that the initiative offers vital financial and psychological backing. According to Tekhlu, the aid helped her believe in herself and dream again after she nearly surrendered to the idea that higher education was out of reach.
Similarly, Azhari Ibrahim faced the potential derailment of his civil engineering studies at the University of Kordofan after being displaced from North Darfur to Port Sudan. According to Ibrahim, the scholarship provided essential community and psychological support alongside financial assistance, connecting him with others walking the same path.
Support Systems Beyond Financial Aid
Beyond covering tuition, the scholarship framework provides mentoring, leadership training, and peer workshops. These collaborative sessions enable students like Tekhlu and Ibrahim to act as advocates, guiding other young people through university admissions and scholarship applications. Ibrahim noted that students in Sudan are suffering and need support at all levels—community, economic, and psychological.
Did You Know?
The DAFI programme supports hundreds of refugee and internally displaced students, providing packages that combine tuition coverage, living costs, and peer mentorship.
Rebuilding Communities Through Education and Peace
Both Tekhlu and Ibrahim view educational persistence as a tool for future community restoration. Tekhlu, who continues to work as a kindergarten teacher with aspirations of opening her own school, emphasized that education is important for Sudanese to rebuild their community. Ibrahim intends to apply his engineering skills to work rebuilding the communities the war has damaged.
Both scholars agree on the necessity of peace. According to Tekhlu, peace is the only solution, noting that if there is no peace, they cannot build anything else. Ibrahim advised fellow students to remain engaged, strong, and patient to fulfill their hopes and dreams.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the DAFI scholarship programme in Sudan?
The DAFI programme provides higher education scholarships for refugees and internally displaced students.
What expenses does the scholarship cover?
The funding covers tuition and living costs, alongside psychological support and mentorship.
How does the program support students beyond finances?
Students receive mentoring, leadership training, and peer workshops that equip them to help others navigate university admissions.
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