USAID and BRAC launch out-of-school project for children
January 29, 2014 (JUBA) – The United States aid arm (USAID) has launched a new project to provide quality basic education to children in South Sudan who are currently not attending school.
“The project will help South Sudan make progress toward reaching universal primary education and help close the gender gap in primary education by enrolling at least 60 percent female students in each school, thereby contributing to poverty reduction and improvement in the quality of life of the most marginalised South Sudanese,” USAID said in a statement extended to Sudan Tribune.
The recruitment and training of women as teachers will be prioritised.
Even before conflict in South Sudan erupted in late 2013, less than half of its school-aged children were reportedly enrolled in school.
Also, nearly 1,200 schools in South Sudan’s conflict-affected states of Jonglei, Upper Nile and Unity have closed, officials have disclosed.
An additional 400,000 children and adolescents have reportedly dropped out of school due to the crisis, and some 90 schools are occupied by fighting forces or the internally displaced persons.
In South Sudan, girls are particularly affected by low school enrollment. For instance, statistics show that only 16% of girls and women age 15 and older in South Sudan are literate. In addition, less than 30% of the country’s secondary school students are female.
“The children of today are the potential leaders of this country tomorrow. The United States is proud to stand with you in ensuring these children achieve that potential to lead this country tomorrow,” said US chargé d’affaires ambassador Charles Twining.
The US has reportedly aided education in South Sudan since 2002 and currently supports six education projects worth over $165 million.
(ST)