Our School at the
Displacement Camp
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“More than two million children, or over 70 per cent, are out of school in South Sudan, putting at risk their futures and the future of the country. Some of the out-of-school children are living in pastoral communities, moving with their cattle and are not able to attend regular classes. The largest group of out-of-school children in South Sudan are girls. Poverty, child marriage, and cultural and religious views all hinder girls' education.” UNICEF
A generation of children in South Sudan is being
deprived of a fair chance in life.
Historical Flooding Displaces Millions in South Sudan
It is hard to imagine how one country can have so many challenges all at one time. The world's youngest country is not only dealing with famine, COVID, a dramatic spike in malaria cases, and violence, but in 2020 historic flooding has left a third of the
the country under water. People had to flee to higher ground and displacements camps that were set up around the country. One such camp where 40,000 people fled to, was a tiny town of Mangalla just north of Juba. Southern Sudan Healthcare Organization (SSHCO) was one of the first to provide basic medical aid.
One of the Seven Pillars that the Southern Sudan Health Care Organization has is education. In 2022 the goal was to provide an education center for primary children in the displacement camp. Project S.U.C.C.E.S.S. is the pillar of SSHCO that made this become a reality.
EDUCATION CAN'T WAIT!
Building the SSHCO Education Center in Mangalla
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Ribbon cutting ceremony to dedicate the education center on February 21, 2022.
Over 160 people attended the ceremony. The camp chairman, local chiefs, pastors, women and other members of the community.
These boys were very interested in visiting the site while the school was being built. They ask if World Vision was doing this. When they learned that it was going to be a school, they said that we should recruit a teacher, purchase benches and get some soccer balls for the break time program.
In January 2022, I received photos of other schools that were started in other parts of the camp. Most of the students were being instructed 'under the tree' or outside. The groups were large and lacking basic school supplies. When there was a structure for the students, there was a lack of chairs, so students had to sit on tin cans. There was also a lack of teachers. The community was so committed to providing an education for their children that they didn't let any barriers stop them. SSHCO's school is a concrete block structure and have plenty of supplies for the teacher and children.
In 2023 during one of the training meetings with the teachers, they told me they were going to add a new primary class for the new school year. I asked how they were going to do that since we didn't have another classroom and I hadn't been able to find a grant that would help us have the funds to build a new classroom. They told me they were going to build the classroom. I was very proud of their commitment and dedication to the children. It was made out of small trees they cut down and plastic I bought for them. The floor is dirt and during the rainy season which last about five months, the floor gets wet and the wind will blow the plastic walls and roof off. They just repair it and go on. I have written several grants, but have been unable to get them. I will continue to work on finding the funds so the students can have a safe and secure place to learn.
In 2024 during my training session with the teachers, they told me that seven schools had closed and that only six remain. The issue was not having funds to pay their teachers. This is why getting scholarships for our students is so important. We ask parents to pay only $4 a month. This means we need to raise the other $21. Only 70-80% of the parents are able to pay their part. We are looking for schools, organizations or individuals who would like to sponsor a student.
Ministry of Education Curriculum Will be Used
Quality Books that are Culturally Appropriate
Instructional Materials & Equipment for Teachers
Training Teachers to Improve the Instruction Delivered
Agricultural Training and Saving Loan Groups
Community Commitment and Involvement
Watch the video of the dedication of the education center in the displacement camp in South Sudan in February of 2022.
