Change school uniform – first step towards peace building

By Luc Kodah*

May 16, 2006 — All over the world the most pleasing sight in the
early morning hours is to spot groups of young
children going to school in their bright uniforms. Any
person who is watching them will be filled with fresh
energy and hope for the future. Each group will be in
a different uniform depending upon the school in which
they are studying. The school authorities, parents and
children take so much of pride in their uniforms,
which they will ensure is spotlessly clean, ironed and
properly worn.

What is the scene here in Sudan? In Khartoum and in
other towns of the country one will spot groups of
children moving during the morning hours, with a bag
on their backs or few books in their hands. But for an
outside observer none of them would look like going to
school. For him these children would look like young
recruits going to some army camp. Can we blame that
outsider for mistaking our young children as child
soldiers? No, because we have dressed them in army
fatigues. Faded, poorly fitted, loose army fatigues. A
uniform, in which neither the school nor the parents
or children take any pride.

It is understandable when the nation was going
through all those war, strife and violence. Children
must be prepared from their very childhood to pick up
the weapon and fight the enemy, whomsoever he may be,
imaginary or real. But now?
About a year and half has gone past after signing the
Comprehensive Peace Agreement. Even in Darfur an
agreement has been signed and there are chances of
peace howsoever flimsy that may be.

Do we want our children to be young soldiers or do we
want them to be world citizens, ready to assume the
responsibilities of the nation and to take it forward
in a changed world order, towards peace and
prosperity. Choice is clear. We want them to stand
shoulder to shoulder with any other child in this
world without any inferiority complexes. Then the
first step to do is to change this uniform.

World over white and blue is the first choice for
school uniforms, though there are number of variations
exists like white and green and some other shades.
Whatever the choice may be, it must be bright and
smart. There is no point in going for symbolisms and
religious connotations while deciding the school
uniforms. The criteria are that it should be smart and
give an impetus to the child to be inquisitive and
open minded.

Here is a sincere appeal to President Bashir, please
change this school uniform. Though he is a Field
Marshal, even he would not like to see his great
grandson to be in army fatigues during the tender ages
of six and seven. President Bashir, only you can take
such a bold decision. You signed the CPA, you paved
the way for Darfur agreement. And now you take the
first step to guide the future generation of this
nation to peace and prosperity. None of your education
ministers and other minions has the courage to take
such a futuristic and courageous decision. So once and
for all change the outlook of this nation, start from
the beginning – change this school uniform and make
our children smart and bright.

* The Author is based in the USA, he can be reached through the ST.