By Alan Clement
South Sudan’s government has launched a nationwide scholarship program specifically for orphans and vulnerable children, pledging an equal distribution of slots across all states and administrative areas to ensure regional inclusivity.
The initiative was finalized following a high-level meeting between the Senior Presidential Envoy on Special Programs and the Minister of General Education, Dr. Kuyok Abol Kuyok. Acting under a directive from President Salva Kiir Mayardit, the Envoy’s office announced the provision of 1,300 scholarships.
To prevent regional bias, the program allocates 100 slots to each state and administrative area, this design ensures that disadvantaged children in every corner of the country from urban hubs to the most remote regions gain access to quality education.
“This initiative is about fairness; it’s about making sure no child is left behind because of their birthplace or family circumstances,” “Orphans and children from vulnerable households deserve the same chance to learn, grow, and contribute to the future of South Sudan.” the Senior Presidential Envoy’s office stated
The scholarships will cover tuition and essential costs, providing a lifeline for guardians who often struggle to meet basic needs. This equal distribution model marks a shift from previous national programs, which were frequently criticized for preferring urban centers like Juba while underserving rural or conflict-affected areas. By mandating 100 scholarships per region, the government aims to ensure children in areas like Upper Nile, Western Bahr el Ghazal, and the Pibor Administrative Area benefit equally.
The program arrives at a critical juncture for South Sudan’s education sector. Decades of conflict and economic instability have left schools struggling with infrastructure deficits and teacher shortages. According to UNICEF, more than two million children in South Sudan remain out of school one of the highest rates in the world.
While experts agree that broader systemic reforms are still required, this scholarship program is viewed as a vital intervention. As the rollout begins, public attention will be on the government’s ability to deliver these slots transparently to those most in need.