South Sudan Launches First National Early Childhood Development Network to Give Every Child the Best Start in Life

• Sep 22, 2026

JUBA, South Sudan – In a historic milestone for the nation's children, South Sudan on Tuesday, 22 September 2026 officially launched its first-ever National Early Childhood Development (ECD) Network, a multi-sectoral platform designed to strengthen collaboration among government ministries and partners to support children from conception to eight years of age.

The long-awaited network was launched in Juba by the Acting Undersecretary of the Ministry of General Education and Instruction (MoGEI), Mr. Simon Nyok Deng, who emphasized the significance of the initiative and called on stakeholders to commit to its success.

"I want to draw your attention to today's proceedings because it is only then that you will understand the depth and importance of this network. When we make our commitments today, they are commitments that we, as government and line ministries, are making together," he said.

The launch brought together senior officials from the Ministries of General Education and Instruction, Health, Gender, Child and Social Welfare, and East African Community Affairs, alongside State Directors General, development partners, representatives of the African Early Childhood Network, Save the Children, students, and parents.

Speaking on behalf of the Ministry of Health, Dr. Alice reaffirmed the ministry's commitment to supporting the initiative.

"On behalf of the Ministry of Health and the Department of Child Health, we stand with all line ministries to build a strong ECD Network. Together, we can support children to develop well, achieve their full potential, and lead healthy and productive lives," she said.

A representative from the Ministry of East African Community Affairs described the launch as a golden opportunity for all stakeholders to rally behind the ECD agenda and strengthen investments in the country's youngest citizens.

According to the chairperson of the launch event, the ECD Network will not create a parallel system. Instead, it will integrate developmental screening, nurturing care, and early learning into existing health and education services, ranging from antenatal care and immunization programmes to preschool education.

The network is expected to improve coordination among stakeholders, strengthen service delivery, and ensure a more holistic approach to child development during the critical early years of life.

With the launch of the National ECD Network, South Sudan joins other East African Community member states in recognizing that the first eight years of a child's life are not merely preparation for school but the foundation upon which the future of the nation is built.