Three Women’s Stories

Um El-Nour’s Story

In the name of God, the Merciful and the Beneficent.

“I am Um El-Nour Abbaker and I study in Tawassul Circle, in Umbadda, Hilla El-Jadeeda Block 70. I did not continue my studies because of customs and traditions. I got married at the age of thirteen. I suffered in my life because of being illiterate. But I pledged myself to send my children to school whatever it cost me, so they will not suffer as I did.

I heard about a class of adult education in the block, but I did not know where it was. One day my daughter came and told me that there was a class for literacy at our school for free so I went at once and registered my name. They gave me exercise books and other learning aids. Since then I insisted to continue learning. I learnt to write my name and so many things, and I gained handicraft skills. I also learned how to manage my expenditure and my time. And I learned about healthy food and how to prepare a nutritious meal from cheap ingredients. I thank God, Women’s Education Partnership and Samira, our literacy facilitator”.

Shadia Osman’s Story

“I am participant Shadia Osman Mohammad Osman, also from Umbadda. I didn’t know how to read or write.One day I went to the hospital and didn’t know where the lab was or the pharmacy or the doctor’s room. I kept asking people – some people answered me and others ignored my questions.

From that moment I decided to learn how to read and write, especially to write my name. I heard there was a class for adult education in the block so I went and registered. Since then I am among the first participants who joined the circle. Thank God now I can write my full, four-part name – which is very important to me. If God helps me, I will continue learning.”

Aisha’s Story

I am Aisha Guamaa, from Tawassul Circle, Umbadda, Hilla El-Jadeeda. I left school at class 2 in the basic school because my family thought of girls’ education as something wrong. When I grew older I discovered that my parents’ opinion was wrong. When I saw educated women I told myself what an injustice and inequality between girls and boys, although God has created them equal, they do not enjoy equal rights.

But now women are educated and become doctors and teachers and military officers. There is a proverb that says “ if a women studied qanuun (law) she will go back to the Kanuun – stove in Arabic; meaning the kitchen. It is a bad tradition. So I would like to send a message here to all Sudanese women to leave behind bad traditions and send their children to school. Education is for all girls and boys.”

Below, our literacy coordinator, Mrs. Adila Osman

This is a literacy post for Women’s Education Partnership. 

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