Sudanese Studies Centre

The SSC is a centre of research and discussion on all aspects of Sudanese life. By emphasising diversity and the plurality of cultures, the Centre aims to make peace a practical, living aspect of Sudanese life, rather than just a theory.

Overview

Every year this organisation focuses on a different issue. Currently the centre is establishing a democratic library which will contain over 600 books. The library will be developed into a democracy and peace unit which will offer training and teachings on democracy and how to practice peace in real life. The target group is young people. The Centre have also translated two important books: the first by Ahmed Khair, Minister of Foreign Affairs (one of founders of the democratic library); and the second 'Democracy Under Test' by Mohamed Ahmed Mahjoob, former Prime Minster of Sudan, who participated in the movement against colonial oppression.

The Sudanese Studies Centre also holds lectures about the practical nature and application of peace, rather than the written theories. For example, how do people actually practice peace, and how do people act peacefully? The organisation considers it to be their duty, as part of civil society, to work towards changing written works into real life social interactions.

The centre has the following aims:

• To conduct research related to aspects of Sudanese life.
• To compile and publish writings about Sudan. We advocate writing in light of the fact that Sudanese culture is characterised by oral communication. Many of the important facts about society have been lost because they have not been published.
• To promote documentation, accuracy of information, statistics, and data essential for understanding and changing Sudanese Society.
• To envisage ideas for Sudanese policies and issues, help to resolve problems and plan strategies for decision-makers.
• To enhance the development of Sudanese creativeness through the introduction of fine arts and audiovisual aids such as theatre, cinema, music and folklore, while emphasising the diversity and plurality of cultures.

The centre considers the following to be its major achievements:

• The centre provided opportunities for the new generations to express their talents and publish their writings. The contributions of the Sudanese women were openly expressed in symposia and the periodical magazine.
• The centre continues to maintain its national direction, thus enabling all the political and intellectual groups, without exception, to take part in its activities. This is reflected in the nationwide participation in the centre's intellectual activities and publications.
• The non-Arab ethnic groups have been a conscious inclusion of the centre. This is illustrated clearly by the topics of some symposia, and the translation of important books. It is rare to find books in Sudan that speak of the civilisations of the ethnic groups - the majority of books concentrate on the north of Sudan, and the northern civilisations in Khartoum. Even art books from the south are not mentioned. In order to balance this, the centre has begun translating books from other ethnic groups. Now the majority of young people who attend the centre's lectures have begun learning about non-Arabic writers, and they have a demontrated interest in this, often asking about other translated books.

 The centre has learnt that young people have the desire and the power to change their lives. They regularly attend all the lectures at the Centre, and as a result, their knowledge of their country is growing. This will have a positive impact on Sudan's future. SSC have also learnt not to depend on papers and what people write. An organisation's success must depend on interacting with society and seeing the real needs of the community.

What Services Are Provided?

Seminars, discussion groups, and a democracy library.

Geographical Area of Operation

Khartoum

Funding Resources

• DAI;
• Strategic Studies Centre, Ahram;
• College of Political Science and Economics, Cairo University;
• Arab Unity Studies Centre, Beirut;
• Higher Council for Culture, Egypt;
• Arab Lawyers Union;
• International Labour Organisation;
• Bergen University, Norway;
• Prince Claus Endowment for Culture and Development, Holland.

What Further Information Would You Like?

Any information connected with peace and democracy in Sudan.

What New Contacts Would You Like To Make?

Other Sudanese organisations e.g. Gasim Goor, Eltayb Zain Elabdeen, etc.

Associated Organisations

Sudanese Organisations:

• National Democratic Alliance;
• Umma Party;
• Baath party;
• Women Union;
• Youth Union;
• Journalists Union;
• Workers Federation.

Arab Organisations:

• Strategic studies centre, Ahram;
• College of Political Science and Economics, Cairo University;
• Arab Unity Studies Centre, Beirut;
• Higher Council for Culture, Egypt;
• Arab Lawyers Union.

Foreign Organisations:

• International Labour Organisation;
• Bergen University, Norway;
• Prince Claus Endowment for Culture and Development, Holland.