Future through education: schools and children's center in South Sudan

Background information

The level of education in South Sudan is one of the lowest in the world. Around 73 percent of the population cannot read or write. Under these conditions, it is difficult to successfully advance personal careers. Boys and young men in particular, who are unable to attend school, are exposed to the high risk of having to take part in the conflict as child soldiers. According to the UN, almost 20,000 child soldiers have been trained in recent years. It is particularly difficult for girls to attend school. They are often taken out of school after elementary school and married off. This is largely out of necessity, as it is no longer possible to provide for all family members. The bride price often helps families out of financial hardship. The children's center offers the pupils education, food and a family atmosphere. A "safe haven" where they can also be children. PCOSS provides numerous services here that the state does not offer. In the first year, the children stay at the center, are taught there and receive intensive care from professional educators, as many suffer from trauma. After that, the children go to the surrounding state schools in Renk. The school fees are paid by the home. The children receive meals and have confidants, and homework supervision is also offered.

Project goals

The PCOSS educational programs give children and young people the opportunity to shape their lives according to their own wishes. Some of the children later have access to higher education. The knowledge they gain enables them to lead their lives more independently. They can also play an active role in social processes and decisions. Thanks to their education, the children are later able to lead a self-determined life.

Target group

After 20 years of working with boys in Muhaba, girls were given the opportunity to study at the Children's Center for the first time in 2018 and at least live there during the day. Girls in particular have less chance of getting an education. Families often have to prioritize who can go to school and girls often miss out, but girls also have wishes and dreams for the future. Since the girls' school building was completed in 2023, there has been room for 24 girls to sleep and study in the building.

Activities

The PCOSS Department of Education implements the following activities:

• Creation of "zones of peace" for children.
• Strengthening primary and secondary schools as well as teachers in order to raise the level of education.
• Care for children growing up without family support
• Trainings for school staff concerning new teaching methods and school administration
• Care and support for socially disadvantaged children at the children's center

Project progress

Due to a lack of sleeping facilities and separate washrooms, schoolgirls at the Muhaba Center have not been able to spend the night at the center. However, walking home can be dangerous, which is why it was decided to build a girls' house, construction of which began in 2021. The girls' building was officially opened in November 2023. It offers space for 24 girls and is fully occupied. In 2023, 68 children (43 boys and 25 girls) benefited from gender-neutral basic education.

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