Education in South Sudan

Pupils of Bishop Mazzoldi

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Village school in Northern Bahr el Ghazal, Sudan

South Sudan literacy rate for population 15-24 years old by state

Secondary school Sudanese students during a break at Supiri Secondary School in Juba, South Sudan. The school is mix boys and girls

Education in South Sudan is a sector that has seen significant changes and challenges since the country gained independence in 2011. The Ministry of General Education and Instruction is responsible for overseeing the education system, which is striving to rebuild and expand in the wake of decades of conflict.

History

Prior to independence, South Sudan was part of Sudan, where the education system was heavily centralized in Khartoum. The long-standing civil war severely disrupted educational services, destroying infrastructure and displacing millions of people. Following the Comprehensive Peace Agreement in 2005 and subsequent independence in 2011, South Sudan began the arduous process of establishing its own education system.

Education System

The education system in South Sudan is structured into pre-primary, primary, secondary, and tertiary levels.

Pre-primary Education

Pre-primary education in South Sudan is designed for children aged 4 to 6 years. It is not compulsory and is provided in community-based settings and some formal schools.

Primary Education

Primary education lasts for eight years, catering to children from 6 to 14 years old. It is officially compulsory, although actual enrollment rates are affected by various factors including conflict, economic conditions, and cultural practices.

Secondary Education

Secondary education is divided into two phases: the four-year lower secondary and the three-year upper secondary. Completion of secondary education leads to the award of the South Sudan Secondary School Certificate.

Tertiary Education

Tertiary education includes universities, technical and vocational education and training (TVET) institutions, and teacher training institutes. The sector is growing, with several public and private institutions established since independence.

Challenges

The education sector in South Sudan faces numerous challenges. These include inadequate infrastructure, a shortage of trained teachers, gender disparities, and the impact of ongoing conflict and displacement. Efforts to address these issues are hampered by limited financial resources and the logistical difficulties of operating in a vast country with poor transport and communication networks.

Initiatives and Development

Various international organizations and NGOs are working alongside the South Sudanese government to improve educational access and quality. Initiatives focus on building and rehabilitating schools, teacher training, curriculum development, and providing learning materials. There is also an emphasis on promoting girls' education and inclusive education for children with disabilities.

Future Directions

The future of education in South Sudan hinges on the country's ability to maintain peace and stability, improve governance, and mobilize both domestic and international resources for education. Long-term strategies are needed to enhance the quality of education, expand access at all levels, and integrate education into broader development and nation-building efforts.

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