New school, solar power and income for women: ILO brings opportunities for refugees and hosts in Sudan

Port Sudan, SUDAN (ILO News) — In a region scarred by conflict and displacement, a powerful story of hope has emerged. In White Nile State, Sudan, through the impactful partnership between the International Labour Organization (ILO) and Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) Sudan is not just generating jobs, but creating a pathway to dignity, stability, and long-term development for refugees, internally displaced persons (IDPs), and host communities. 

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The activities of the ILO Employment Intensive Investment Programme (EIIP) were carried out through the Netherlands supported Partnership for Improving Prospects for forcibly displacement host communities (PROSPECTS). The partnership has generated crucial short-term employment creating 348 direct jobs for both refugee and host communities, providing much-needed income to vulnerable households. 

Laying the foundation for long-term development, the initiative has enhanced 59 essential public infrastructure assets — including classrooms, teacher offices, latrines, and durable shelters – improving quality of education and public health.

“In the EIIP approach, most of the work was done by the community itself. Eighty-five percent of the workforce came from within White Nile, promoting local ownership of this infrastructure,” shared Ahmed Atia Allah, National Project Coordinator in Sudan. Furthermore, 250 individuals received on-the-job training in construction and site management, enhancing their future employability.  

Promoting clean energy and gender inclusion

Along with income generation and skill development opportunities, promoting clean energy solutions was at the heart of this initiative. The project supported installation of 50 solar power systems for vulnerable families and female-headed households, while training locals on installation and maintenance techniques. 

Stephen Opio, Chief Technical Advisor for the ILO PROSPECTS Programme in Ethiopia and Sudan, stated, "This project exemplifies the ILO's commitment to building resilience in crisis-affected areas by linking job creation with essential infrastructure development. The achievements in White Nile State demonstrate the power of employment-intensive approaches in empowering communities and fostering sustainable progress."

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Impact on the ground

The impact on the ground is profound. In Dabat Bosein Primary School, the newly constructed classrooms and latrines have led to a significant 30% increase in student enrolment. 

Fatima Moahmmed Abdallah, is a 10-year-old student in Dabat Elgabha school, Aljabailain locality, White Nile State. She stated, "We no longer miss school during rains or skip drinking water to avoid dirty latrines," highlighting the direct improvement in their daily lives. 

Breaking traditional gender norms, the project witnessed active women participation in construction, gaining economic independence through wages and solar-powered businesses. 

‘’The solar energy in our house enabled me to start a mobile phone charging business and earn an additional stable income’’ said Susan Neyajok, a beneficiary of the housing upgrades in Dabat Bosin camp in Al Jabalain locality. 

Strong partnerships for lasting change

Ahmed Atiahights the collaborative spirit that made these achievements possible. "The high level of community engagement and the strong partnerships forged with local authorities and organizations like ADRA were instrumental in overcoming challenges and achieving these significant results. Seeing the tangible improvements in people's lives underscores the effectiveness of this integrated approach."

This impactful project in White Nile State stands as a testament to the ILO PROSPECTS partnership's dedication to cultivating opportunities for decent work. It was made possible with generous support from the Government of the Netherlands. 

This initiative didn't just meet immediate needs but planted seeds for lasting resilience. It showcases the transformative power of working together. This initiative didn't just meet immediate needs; it planted seeds for lasting resilience. It showcases the transformative power of working together, empowering vulnerable communities and building a brighter future for Sudan.