(MALAKAL) – The United Nations and the European Union have officially handed over a newly rehabilitated primary school and vocational training centre to local authorities in Malakal, in a move aimed at supporting long term recovery for communities affected by conflict and displacement in South Sudan.
The two facilities, Joshua Primary School and the Malakal Vocational Training Centre (VTC), were refurbished and equipped by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR), with financial support from the European Union. The handover is part of a regional humanitarian response to the ongoing crisis in neighbouring Sudan, which continues to impact populations in Upper Nile State.
Government representatives, international partners and education officials attended the handover ceremony, including ministers from Upper Nile State, EU officials and senior leadership from IOM and UNHCR in South Sudan.
The Malakal VTC, once the largest technical training institution in the country, has been fully restored. The centre now offers training in a wide range of practical skills, including carpentry, metalwork, tailoring, mechanics and information technology. This rehabilitation aims to equip young people and vulnerable groups with the skills needed for employment and self reliance.
At the same time, Joshua Primary School has received major upgrades. The school now features improved classrooms, new sanitation facilities and a secure fence providing a safe and supportive environment for children, many of whom are displaced by conflict. The improvements are designed to make the school more inclusive and resilient, especially for families living in temporary settlements or returning to the area after displacement.
“Investing in education and skills development means investing in South Sudan’s future,” said Massimo Scalorbi, Head of Cooperation at the EU Delegation. He added that strengthening access to education and vocational training is central to long-term peacebuilding and development.
The projects form part of broader EU and UN efforts to help conflict affected communities in South Sudan. These include improving infrastructure, promoting social cohesion, enhancing livelihoods, and ensuring children and youth have access to quality learning opportunities despite disruptions caused by years of insecurity.
By providing practical training and supporting foundational education, the handover in Malakal represents a shift toward durable solutions for displaced and host communities in Upper Nile. It also reflects growing cooperation between humanitarian actors and national institutions in addressing both immediate needs and future recovery.
The Upper Nile State government has welcomed the development and called for continued investment in education as a pillar of national reconstruction. Local authorities say the facilities will help restore hope and opportunity for families affected by repeated crises.
| Project | Location | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Malakal Vocational Centre | Malakal | Metalwork, mechanics, carpentry, tailoring, IT training |
| Joshua Primary School | Malakal | Renovated classrooms, sanitation, secure fencing |
