(JUBA) – South Sudan has unveiled a $58 million (around SSP 270.2 billion at official rates or approximately SSP 406 billion at parallel market rates) education programme designed to transform access to learning for the country’s most marginalised children.
The four year initiative led by the Ministry of General Education and Instruction with funding and support from the Global Partnership for Education (GPE), aims to reach more than 300,000 learners directly, while indirectly benefiting over 600,000 others across 20 counties. These include some of the country’s most underserved areas, such as Jonglei State, Lakes State and the Greater Pibor Administrative Area.
The programme brings together three GPE funding streams under one government led plan to improve access, quality, and inclusivity in education. Special focus is being placed on girls, children with disabilities, and learners from pastoralist communities—groups that have traditionally been excluded from formal schooling.
Dr Kuyok Abol Kuyok, Minister of General Education and Instruction, described the programme as a “lifeline” for children affected by poverty, displacement, and conflict.
“This funding will provide life-saving educational opportunities for hundreds of thousands of girls and boys,” he said, calling on international partners to continue their support.
South Sudan has one of the world’s highest rates of out-of-school children, with more than 2.8 million—roughly 70 percent of school-age children—not attending school. The new programme targets these children with tailored learning solutions.
The System Transformation Grant will support 250,000 children, including 3,000 with disabilities and more than 1,000 from pastoralist backgrounds. A further 33,000 girls will benefit under the Girls’ Education Accelerator, which focuses on increasing school enrolment and retention among adolescent girls, who often face additional barriers such as early marriage and domestic responsibilities.
The project also aims to strengthen the education workforce, with over 7,000 teachers expected to receive support and training. It will promote inclusive and accelerated learning models, strengthen policymaking capacity, and include subjects such as sexuality education to support long-term retention and life skills.
“This is more than just an education project—it’s an investment in peace, inclusion, and the future of South Sudan,” said Christopher Nyamandi, Save the Children’s Country Director.
UNICEF’s Acting Representative in South Sudan, Obia Achieng, voiced a similar message, stressing the importance of making education more accessible for girls.
“Boys and especially girls have been shortchanged for too long. Now is the time to open doors and deliver the promise of education,” she said.