Jonglei State hardest hit as 2.2 Million children stay out of school in South Sudan
By Binia Elizabeth
South Sudan is facing an alarming education crisis, with over 2.2 million children currently out of school. According to the Minister of General Education and Instruction, Hon. Kuyok Abol Kuyok, among the worst affected regions is Jonglei State, where vast counties have no single secondary school, leaving thousands of children without access to continued learning.
Speaking during the high level event held at the National Parliament, Minister Kuyok highlighted the critical link between South Sudan’s youthful population and the need to build human capital through education and vocational training.
“The key word this morning is skills,” he emphasized. “We are a young country, and our young people have already demonstrated their resilience especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, when their natural strength and resistance helped protect our nation.”
The minister pointed out that South Sudan has made commendable progress since the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA), especially in expanding access to primary education. From a modest 300,000 learners in 2005, school enrolment has soared to 2.2 million today. In some states, such as Northern Bahr el Ghazal and Western Equatoria, girls now outnumber boys in primary schools, which is a great achievement
However, he noted that only 9% of all schools in the country offer secondary education, severely limiting the transition rate from primary to higher levels. “Counties like Kapoeta North, Tonj East, and many areas in Jonglei have no secondary schools at all,” said the minister. “How can we expect these children to progress if there are no facilities for them?” he said
The gender implications are also worrying. “For boys, maybe they can walk 15 miles to reach school. For girls, it’s not even an option due to safety concerns, many drop out, marry early, and lose their potential,” he lamented.
Minister Kuyok underscored the importance of equitable infrastructure development but stressed that schools must not only be built, they must be staffed and equipped. “Many schools built in remote areas with the help of partners are lying unused because we have a massive shortage of teachers, especially for mathematics and sciences,” hhe minister said
With 2.8 million children out of school, representing nearly 60% of school age children, Kuyok called this a national crisis that must be urgently addressed.
He also praised vocational training initiatives funded by partners such as the European Union, citing successful programs in Jonglei and Lakes State where trained youth have launched businesses and workshops, transforming their lives and communities.
“Education is not just a right, it’s our pathway to development,” Minister Kuyok declared. “We must invest in the future of our children by investing in teachers, in vocational skills, and in inclusive education infrastructure.”
He concluded by urging Parliament to prioritize education in the national budget, calling for better execution of funding packages and sustained investment in human capital.
“Let us not forget: skills are the foundation of tomorrow’s leadership, economy, and peace. If we fail to invest now, we will be left behind,” he said.
