National Dialogue on Education Policy Implementation and Financing

• Jul 22, 2025

Juba, South Sudan – July 17 – 18, 2025

The National Education Coalition, in collaboration with key stakeholders, convened a landmark National Dialogue on Education Policy Implementation and Financing at Crown Hotel, Juba. The two-day event brought together representatives from States and National Ministry of General Education and Instruction, the Parliamentary Committee on General Education and Instruction, development partners, and civil society organizations.

The dialogue aimed to address pressing challenges in the education sector, particularly around policy execution and sustainable financing. It served as a platform for inclusive engagement, fostering collaboration and generating actionable recommendations to strengthen education delivery across South Sudan.

Key Issues and Recommendations

Participants identified inadequate funding and financial mismanagement as major barriers to quality education. Dr. Riak Nyiel Ador, Coordinator of the National Education Coalition, emphasized the need for transparent and efficient budgeting to ensure equitable access to education. Stakeholders advocated for aligning financial resources with educational priorities and called for a more balanced distribution of funds across States and Administrative Areas.

Hon. Cirisio Zakaria Lado, State Minister of Education for Central Equatoria, underscored the transformative role of education in national development. He highlighted strategic priorities including:

• Expanding access to education, especially for girls and children in rural areas
• Enhancing teacher training and professional development
• Investing in infrastructure and learning materials
• Promoting innovative financing through public-private partnerships

The Minister urged all citizens to recognize education as a cornerstone for peace, stability, and progress.

Teacher Development and Welfare

Hon. Martin Tako Moyi, Deputy Minister of General Education and Instruction, addressed the urgent need to train qualified teachers. He noted that many educators currently lack formal qualifications, impacting learning outcomes. The Ministry is working with international partners to provide training opportunities and revitalize domestic teacher training institutions.

The Deputy Minister also highlighted challenges affecting teacher welfare, including:

• Low and delayed salaries
• Poor working conditions
• High turnover and absenteeism

He called for increased budget allocations, timely salary payments, and improved support systems to retain and motivate teachers. “Teachers are the backbone of our education system and the future of our nation,” he stated, urging collective action from government, development partners, and communities.

Commitment to Action

The dialogue concluded with a signed communique urging all stakeholders to take decisive steps toward domestic financing of education. Participants committed to following up on the recommendations and ensuring that education remains a national priority.

This event marks a significant step toward a unified and strategic approach to education reform in South Sudan, reinforcing the Ministry’s commitment to delivering inclusive, equitable, and quality education for all.