Invest in citizens’ welfare, US advices South Sudan leadership  

September 10, 2024 (JUBA) – South Sudan government should invest public resources to meet public needs and take meaningful action to fulfil its obligations to citizens, the United States said.

In a statement issued as the world marked the International Literacy Day 2024 on Sunday, the US Embassy in Juba described education and literacy as fundamental human rights.

Available statistics shows that about 70 percent of the South Sudanese adults cannot read or write. 84 percent of girls over the age of 15 are illiterate while about 2.8 million children are out school.

“They open doors to economic opportunities, break cycles of poverty, and enhance personal and societal growth,” the US Embassy stated, adding “They also facilitate effective communication and participation in democratic processes, strengthening community engagement and cohesion.”

The statement noted that the US government has provided more than US$328 million to help millions of South Sudanese citizens develop foundational literacy and numeracy skills, advance their economic well-being, improve their health, reduce poverty, and increase their participation in the labor market.

South Sudan has reportedly has one of the worst literacy rates in the world.

(ST)