By Chol D. Johnson
The Government through the office of the senior presidential envoy for special program has reaffirmed its commitment to education, transparency, and social inclusion.
In order to realized inclusive Education across the country, the official of the senior presidential envoy on Thursday launched National High School Sponsorship Program targeting 1,500 orphaned and disadvantaged students.
The initiative runs from 2026–2029 academic period hence a complete scholarship for certificate of secondary education, a step to university.
The landmark initiative was officially launched in Juba by the Senior Presidential Envoy on Special Programs, Adut Kiir Mayardit, under the theme “Empowering Futures, Transforming Lives: A Commitment to Education for All.”
Speaking at the launch ceremony, Adut assured the public that the scholarship program will be implemented with the highest standards of transparency, accountability, and fairness, emphasizing that beneficiaries will be selected strictly based on established criteria.
“We will ensure transparency and accountability in this program. I will personally visit the schools to follow up on the welfare and progress of the children,” she stated.
The Senior Presidential Envoy explained that the initiative was launched following directives from President Salva Kiir Mayardit, reflecting the President’s continued dedication to investing in education and supporting vulnerable children across the country.
She emphasized that the selection process will prioritize orphaned and disadvantaged students, dismissing public concerns circulating on social media about possible favoritism.
“This program is for orphaned and disadvantaged children. The selection will be fair and guided by clear criteria that benefit those most in need,” she said.
Adut Kiir Mayardit also called for responsible use of digital platforms, noting that misinformation can undermine public trust in national programs.
“We must strengthen digital education and use social media responsibly, not to spread misinformation but to support development initiatives,” she added.
Parents and guardians were urged to place their trust in the program and actively engage with their children’s education, particularly those who will study at Cornerstone Vision Academy High School in Northern Bahr el Ghazal State.
“I encourage parents and guardians to trust us with their children, to visit them, and to stay engaged in their educational journey,” she said.
Originally designed to support 1,300 students, the scholarship program was expanded to 1,500 beneficiaries following a commitment made by Adut Kiir Mayardit during her visit to veterans at the Bilpam headquarters, where she pledged scholarships for an additional 200 students.
The launch event was attended by senior government officials, including national and state ministers, the Governor of Central Equatoria State, ambassadors, the Vice Chancellor of the University of Juba, and school directors, underscoring broad national and international support for the initiative.
Also addressing the event, the Minister of General Education and Instruction, Kuyok Abol Kuyok, emphasized the government’s determination to reform and strengthen the education system.
“Education must be transformed, and there must be continuous improvement in our education system,” he said.
He highlighted school feeding as a critical challenge affecting student retention, noting that many learners drop out due to lack of meals in schools.
The National High School Sponsorship Program marks a significant step toward ensuring equal access to quality education, empowering vulnerable children, and building a stronger future for the nation.