Government leaders led by Hon. Dr. Kuyok Abol Kuyok and the Governor of WBG, UN agencies, and partners launched the Back to Learning campaign on 9 March 2026 in Kosti Primary School, Wau, Western Barh el Ghazal.
In his remarks, the Minister reaffirmed the government's firm commitment to disbursing capitation grants to all schools and ensuring timely payment of teachers' salaries.
The Undersecretary in the Ministry of General Education and Instruction (MoGEI), Hon. Omot Okony, highlighted that the Back to Learning Campaign aims to motivate learners, teachers, families, and communities to embrace the new academic year with renewed commitment. The campaign encourages learners and teachers to return to classrooms with energy, curiosity, and determination. We recognise education as the foundation of national development
, he said.
Hon. Okony emphasized that the initiative is not merely about reopening schools but about acknowledging the vital role learning plays in shaping a brighter future for South Sudan. The campaign prioritizes inclusive education and equal access for all children, including the most vulnerable.
Representing NGOs in Western Bahr el Ghazal, Oboro Simon noted the significant improvement in academic performance in the state. He highlighted the results of the 2025 Certificate of Primary Education Examinations, where Western Bahr el Ghazal ranked first nationally. Girls emerging among the top three performers is a remarkable achievement. It shows that our girls are improving every day, and this progress is helping close the gender gap in the education sector,
he said. Oboro reaffirmed that the Back to Learning Campaign remains a critical national effort to ensure children return and stay in school.
The Head of Education at Save the Children, Isaac Otieno, underscored the broader meaning of returning to the classroom. We are not here just to reopen doors; we are here to rebuild hope for the children of South Sudan. Every day a child spends out of school is a day they lose not only a lesson but safety, normalcy, and the chance to simply be a child,
he stated. He added that, in Wau, classrooms are more than spaces for learning, they protect children from early marriage, child labour, and despair. “Together, let us make the school bell ring again,” he urged.
UNICEF Representative to South Sudan, Noala Skinner, echoed the call for renewed commitment. We are here not just to launch a programme but to renew a promise. A promise that every child has the right to education and the right to learn. Education is not just about classrooms or textbooks; it is about protection, dignity, opportunity, and hope,
she said. Skinner noted that conflict, displacement, and economic challenges continue to disrupt learning for many children. Each increase in the number of children out of school is an increase in child labour, early marriage, and exploitation. The longer a child stays out of school, the less likely they are to return.”
She reminded communities and teachers that their encouragement deeply influences whether a child enters and remains in school and urged them to ensure that girls return just as much as boys. Let us protect schools as safe places and let us value education not only in words but in actions.
Representing the National Education Coalition, Dr. Ador emphasized the importance of supporting teachers. If we do not pay teachers, they will not come to class. And if teachers do not come, children will not come either. This results in dropouts on both sides,
he said.
The Deputy Head of the European Union Delegation to South Sudan stressed the importance of strong leadership and funding. Education needs commitment. It is crucial to pay teachers to avoid empty classrooms. A sovereign country needs a sovereign education system,
he said, urging government leaders to step up their efforts for the sake of the country’s future.
The Ambassador of Canada to South Sudan also reflected on the transformative power of education. I am an example of what education can do for a girl. You can become anything you want to be, she said. She affirmed that children in South Sudan deserve a stable and well-resourced education system capable of supporting long-term national development. This requires renewed commitment from all of us.
Addressing learners directly, she added, Your education matters. Your dreams matter. Your future matters. By coming to school, studying, and supporting one another, you are shaping your future—and the future of South Sudan.
She reiterated that education is a right every child deserves.
The UK Ambassador to South Sudan, Amb. David Ashley urged learners and teachers to return to school and stay through the entire school year. Without education, none of us would be where we are today. Education opens opportunities,
he said. He reaffirmed the UK’s long-standing support for education in South Sudan. For 12 years, the UK and education partners have supported more than 1.5 million girls and children with disabilities through the Girls’ Education Programme.
He concluded by stating that education partners will continue to support South Sudan to make free, quality education a reality for every child.
