Education and Drama for Peace

Education and Drama for Peace (EDP)

A Sudanese Refugee-Led Initiative Changing Lives Against All the Odds

Restoring confidence, hope and purpose to Sudanese youngsters and their families; above just some of the hundreds of Sudanese living in Renk Transit Camp, South Sudan who are benefitting from EDP’s refugee-led education, drama and sports youth programs. Since the outbreak of war in April 2023, over 780,000 refugees and returnees have crossed into South Sudan (2024 UN estimates). Thousands have lost their homes and their livelihoods. Too many have witnessed the death of loved ones. All are coping with the trauma and stress the ongoing conflict in Sudan has brought in its wake.

These photographs are copyright Education and Drama for Peace.

See more in Education and Peace Instagram.

A Truly Grassroots Initiative

Education and Drama for Peace are different. Among the many obstacles facing international aid efforts in war-torn Sudan is their capacity to reach those most in need – those so marginalized they fall outside conventional aid surveys. Often hampered by logistical limitations, government and paramilitary expropriation of aid, as well as justifiable concerns for the safely of their staff, large international organizations are increasingly recognizing the essential role of grassroots, community-based relief initiatives. The exemplary work of Sudan’s award-winning Emergency Response Rooms is a case in point. Right, unlike many aid organizations, EDP uses and supports local transport.

Education and Drama for Peace, based in Renk Transit Camp comes from the same inspiring tradition of community-led initiatives and its effectiveness has been recognized and endorsed by UNHCR. Since EDP’s new base in Renk was established in 2023, over 14,000 direct beneficiaries of their programs have been identified, as well as an estimated 70,000 indirect beneficiaries (UNHCR data). Left, “Why we exist”, EDP, Instagram.

Education and Drama for Peace have 42 volunteers – themselves from displaced Sudanese or host communities, working in drama for education and conflict resolution, teaching, teacher training, theatre and sports programs. The average age of their volunteers is 25; a remarkable testimony to the energy and commitment of young Sudanese giving back to their communities and working to build a better future for their homeland. Right, A EDP volunteer teacher checking a student’s work in Renk Transfer Camp, EDP Instagram.

I first had the privilege of meeting Mario Mabor, Director of EDP, together with colleague Louise Sullivan, expert in international development in 2015, when the organization was serving displaced communities in the camps and settlements within Khartoum, its base from 2013. Mario is a graduate in drama from Sudan University, actor, film maker and photographer, who appeared in the groundbreaking film Goodbye Julia. “As displaced people ourselves,” he explains, “we know how we can reach others like us, to bring hope to their lives awareness about important issues, and healing from trauma.” Left, distributing classroom resources, EDP Instagram.

Education and Drama for Peace – Making a Difference

Above, puppet shows exploring the themes of conflict resolution, disease prevention and lived trauma of the participants; new classrooms built by EDP volunteers, distribution of school materials, and proud educational program graduates with their certificates. Raising awareness of the importance of education and school attendance is a key aspect of EDP’s work.

It is hard to overestimate the effectiveness of drama in offering practical conflict resolution tools and as a vehicle of trauma therapy – both painfully relevant in the lives of refugees living in precarious and often frightening conditions. Drama is also an invaluable educational tool and among issues explored in EDP’s theatre productions are child marriage, cholera prevention, climate change impact, gender-based violence, alcohol and substance abuse, tribalism and hygiene. In highly engaging and interactive ways, EDP’s dramas also raise awareness of the need for education and encourage school attendance. Battling incredibly limited resources, EDP’s small mobile theatre has presented over 500 dramas reaching over 10,000 people. Left, learning about the importance of unity through diversity, EDP Instagram.

EDP has been commended by UNHCR for its innovative puppetry program, combining fun, creativity and serious messages.

Education and Drama for Peace work with the local community and schools to increase school enrolment and undertake outreach to young people and their parents. They offer basic education for school dropouts in settings these students feel comfortable in, as well as teacher training in interactive methodologies in local schools. As of August this year, 172 teachers in Renk have received teacher training.

Sports programs, such as regular football and volleyball workshops and tournaments have had a wonderful impact on the health, morale and community spirit among younger camp members and workshops on small business projects have enabled young mothers and widows to become more self-sufficient. Right, youngsters proudly displaying their school reports.

Education and Drama for Peace operate on a shoestring. You can support their life-changing work by following and sharing their Instagram account, re-posting this article to spread the word about their work and, if you feel able, donating to their projects.

See more and donate through Education and Peace Instagram.