(Juba) – Mr. Mapour Puoric Manyiel, a student from the University of Juba, has placed sixth in the prestigious 12th ARSO Continental Essay Competition, a continental contest that drew participation from over 200 young writers across Africa.
His achievement has been hailed as an academic milestone for South Sudan, signalling the country’s growing presence in intellectual and standardisation platforms on the continent.
The competition organised by the African Organisation for Standardisation (ARSO), was centred around the theme “The Role of Education about Standardization in Shaping African Students for Sustainable Development in the 21st Century.”
Mr. Manyiel’s performance stood out for its clarity, critical insight, and relevance, earning him notable praise during the ARSO General Assembly held in Zanzibar, Tanzania, from 23 to 27 June 2025.
During the event, the ARSO Secretary General, Dr. Hermogene Nsengimana, commended Mr. Manyiel’s work, describing him as “among the very best young writers on the continent.”
In the same forum, Hon. Gloria Nyoka Joseph, Executive Director of the South Sudan National Bureau of Standards (SSNBS), received a certificate of recognition for her leadership in organising the national phase of the ARSO competition for the first time. South Sudan joined 19 other national standards bodies across Africa in managing this preliminary round, laying the groundwork for Mr. Manyiel’s success.
Hon. Nyoka’s participation in the ARSO Assembly not only represented South Sudan’s administrative competence but also highlighted the nation’s growing integration in regional and continental development forums focused on quality and standardisation. The SSNBS lauded the young student’s contribution to promoting awareness about the importance of education and standards in national development.
The announcement coincides with South Sudan’s 14th Independence Anniversary celebrations. The SSNBS has extended warm congratulations to the young writer for his “outstanding contribution to promoting standardisation and quality culture in the country.”
The Bureau emphasised that such achievements reflect the country’s potential in shaping future African leadership through academic engagement and knowledge exchange.
While no monetary reward was publicly disclosed, such recognition often leads to further educational and professional opportunities for the winners.
The ARSO essay competition has served as a platform for promoting awareness among students on the importance of standardisation in development and industry, aligning with the African Union’s Agenda 2063.
