By Matik Kueth
In a major step toward rebuilding the nation’s education of children, the Government of South Sudan has launched a landmark $58 million program aimed at expanding access to quality education for hundreds of thousands of children, particularly girls and those from marginalized communities.
Backed by funding and technical support from the Global Partnership for Education (GPE), the four-year initiative is led by the Ministry of General Education and Instruction (MoGEI) in collaboration with UNICEF and Save the Children-led consortium that includes NRC and UNESCO.
The program merges three GPE funding streams into one unified, government-led effort: the System Transformation Grant, Girls’ Education Accelerator, and System Capacity Grant. It represents one of the most comprehensive education reforms since South Sudan’s independence.
“This is more than an education program—it’s a lifeline,” said Dr. Kuyok Abol Kuyok, Minister of General Education and Instruction, during Wednesday’s launch. “We are determined to reach the children who have been forgotten due to conflict, poverty, and displacement. With this support, we can change that story.”
The initiative comes at a critical time. More than 2.8 million school-age children, or over 70% of South Sudan’s youth, are currently out of school a crisis that threatens the country’s long-term peace and development.
Obia Achieng, UNICEF Representative in South Sudan, called the project a game-changer. “Too many children—especially girls—have been denied their basic right to education. As Mandela said, education is the most powerful weapon to change the world. South Sudan now holds that weapon in its hands,” she stated.
Christopher Nyamandi, Country Director for Save the Children, emphasized that the project goes beyond education.
“This is an investment in the future of South Sudan—its peace, stability, and prosperity. We’re not just building classrooms; we’re building hope.”
Impact Overview:
The program will directly benefit 300,000 children, with an additional 600,000 reached indirectly across 20 high-need counties, including Jonglei, Lakes, and the Greater Pibor Administrative Area. Key components include:
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250,000 children reached through the System Transformation Grant, including 3,000 children with disabilities and 1,120 from pastoralist communities.
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33,000 girls, 2,000 children with disabilities, and 29,500 boys supported through Accelerated Learning and sexuality education under the Girls’ Education Accelerator.
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7,300 teachers to receive enhanced training and support.
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System-wide reforms in planning, budgeting, and policy development supported through the System Capacity Grant.
This initiative aligns with Sustainable Development Goal 4, ensuring inclusive and equitable quality education for all and is firmly rooted in South Sudan’s national development agenda.
Far from being just an emergency response, the project lays a foundation for long-term transformation in the country’s education sector.