The initiative seeks to revitalize technical and vocational education and training (TVET), expand opportunities for young people, and support literacy and local economic recovery in Aroma locality.
The launch event brought together community leaders, government officials, educators and community members, reflecting strong local ownership of the initiative.
Mr. Mohamed Al-Amin Tirik, General Chief of the Hadandawa Tribes, praised UNESCO’s continued engagement in the locality.
“A clear sign that the community believes in this project and is ready to make it succeed.” He stated
He welcomed the focus on vocational skills and literacy and called for the establishment of cultural clubs to safeguard and celebrate local heritage. “Development must go hand in hand with preserving our identity,” he noted.
Ms. Amira Hussein Mousa, Director of the Guidance Sector at the Ministry of Education and Guidance in Kassala State, emphasized the importance of combining vocational training with literacy programmes. She stated that the people of Aroma are capable of rising to this challenge, and that this project is not only about training; it is about restoring confidence, building skills and opening doors for young people.
Mr. Junaid Sorosh-Wali, Head of Office and Representative of UNESCO Sudan, reaffirmed Kassala as a priority for UNESCO and underscored the strength of its partnership with the State Government and the Ministry of Education and Guidance.
He noted that agricultural education in Sudan faces significant challenges, with several of the country’s seven agricultural schools currently non-operational due to conflict and other constraints.
“TVET is not a second option — it is a pathway to dignity, productivity and sustainable livelihoods” he stated.
Mr. Sorosh-Wali highlighted that UNESCO assessments identified critical gaps in equipment, infrastructure and teacher capacity. He emphasized that teacher training, support for girls’ participation and attention to displaced learners are central to the programme’s approach, aimed at restoring confidence in agricultural education as a driver of local development.
He recalled that UNESCO has been supporting the development of Sudan’s technical education sector since 2014 at the request of the Government, and that the current project aims to introduce updated curricula and specializations aligned with labour market needs. He added that linking the school to the private sector will help revive productive units, while a structured two-year literacy programme will address foundational learning gaps.
Mr. Montasir Abdel Fattah, Executive Director of Aroma Locality, reaffirmed the locality’s commitment to eradicating illiteracy within two years in coordination with partners, representing hope for youth and a practical step toward reducing poverty and strengthening the community.
Through the rehabilitation of the Aroma Agricultural School, UNESCO and its partners are working to create an inclusive and enabling learning environment where young women and men can acquire practical skills, rebuild their futures, and contribute to sustainable development in Sudan.
READ MORE: https://www.unesco.org/en/articles/unesco-begins-rehabilitation-aroma-agricultural-school-0
