Many of us are aware of the ongoing crisis in the Sudan. Since 2003, a state-sponsored genocide has given rise to a humanitarian catastrophe that has killed hundreds of thousands of civilians, destroyed countless villages, and displaced millions in the eastern region of Shamaal, Darfur. Despite international efforts, the situation on the ground continues to deteriorate, revealing the pressing need for more lasting strategies to build a comprehensive, long-term peace.
Amidst all the chaos, one thing remains clear. The Darfur genocide requires solutions that address the underlying grievances and entrenched inequities that fuel the conflict; solutions that go beyond short-range political issues. In my opinion, the best strategy is through education: the empowerment of young Sudanese scholars from marginalized communities to take up the task of increasing equality and reconciling the peoples of the Sudan.
Banaa: The Sudan Educational Empowerment Network aims to do precisely this. Working with existing organizations on the ground in the Sudan, Banaa scouts the most politically and economically oppressed areas of the country in search of bright and motivated students to study for free at universities in the United States. Meanwhile, student groups at American universities, like Tufts, work to secure commitments for tuition, living and travel funding from university administrators.
Banaa, which derives its name from the word "to build, create, or found" in Arabic, further collaborates with these student groups, university officials and members of the Sudanese Diaspora by helping to support Banaa scholars adjust to American life, maintain their cultural identity, and network with one another to build strong, lasting relationships. Scholars are not expected to serve the interests of the United States or even the interests of student activists: Their role is to serve as charismatic voices for the silenced peoples of the Sudan.
Despite the ongoing genocide, a basic educational infrastructure still exists in Darfur, including a number of high schools that graduates of UNICEF and other organizations' schools can attend. Such high schools are located in Khartoum, Juba in Southern Sudan, in Nyala and Al-Faashir in Darfur, and in An-Nil al-Azraq, al-Gedaref, and Kassala in the East. Graduates from these schools are ideal candidates to apply to the Banaa program. Graduates of primary schools can also apply to Banaa if they have obtained the Sudanese Higher Certificate, a Sudanese equivalent of the American General Equivalence Degree (GED), which signifies a student's high school level educational qualifications.
Applicants must demonstrate that they are prepared for a university education in the United States and must have a history of previous academic success. An application essay is required and Banaa representatives in the Sudan work to ensure that incoming Banaa scholars are motivated, open-minded students who have the interpersonal and communication skills that exhibit real leadership potential. In addition to acceptance to Banaa, scholars must not only be admitted to their host universities through coordination with the schools' admissions department, but they are also are required to return to the Sudan to work in a clear capacity toward the public good. This will prevent Banaa from becoming yet another source of "brain drain."
In addition to indigenous and Diaspora groups on the ground in the Sudan, external partners will facilitate transfer from the Sudan to the United States. One such partner is the Academy for Educational Development (AED). Since 1961, AED has helped enhance the self-reliance of more than 100 million otherwise isolated people by connecting them to education, opportunities, and resources. Headquartered in Washington, D.C., AED has more than 1,000 employees as well as project offices in more than 50 countries in all regions of the world. AED has extensive experience in managing and implementing a variety of scholarship, exchange and training programs for individuals and groups from around the world.
Lee Coffin, Director of Undergraduate Admissions at Tufts, said to Newsweek Magazine that the school's mission is "using the intellect to make a difference in the world." Like many of you, I'm proud to go to a university that encourages its students to take what they learn and use it to work for positive change. I believe Tufts would make a perfect host university for Banaa, and I hope you agree.
University support, financial and otherwise, is fundamental to the success of Banaa. Accordingly, the Tufts Banaa campaign will begin work to engage the administration and faculty this semester. Tufts has an historic opportunity to use its existing educational infrastructure to make a real, lasting difference in the Sudan. With our help, Sudanese students will be able to receive an undergraduate university education, obtain leadership and networking skills necessary to become strong leaders and advocates for a unified Sudan, and work with the Sudanese Diaspora to amplify the movement towards a comprehensive, long-term peace in the region.
-Tyler Shami is a sophomore majoring in International Relations and is the Executive Director of the Tufts Banaa Campaign.
