By James Innocent
The Project Manager for Plan International, Daniel Wani, says the PlayMatters Phase Two program will reach 35 schools, more than 13,800 children, and 360 teachers in Yei River County over the next four years.
Wani said the program, funded by the LEGO Foundation through the UBS Optimus Foundation, will run from July 2026 to June 2030 and aims to improve learning outcomes, teaching quality, and learner engagement.
The programme will support teachers to use active, structured and play-based approaches while delivering the national curriculum. It will also work with parent-teacher associations, school management committees, community leaders, and education authorities.
The initiative is being implemented by a consortium led by the International Rescue Committee, Plan International, and War Child Alliance, together with other education partners.
Speaking at the launch, Commissioner of Yei River County Samuel Henry Malimbo called on education officials, teachers, parents, and communities to work together to improve learning opportunities for children.
Malimbo said quality education should go beyond access to school, stressing the importance of equipping children with knowledge, skills, confidence, and resilience.
He also urged stakeholders to take ownership of the program and ensure its benefits reach communities across the county.
James Keppo, Principal of Yei Teachers Training College, welcomed the initiative and called for increased investment in teacher training, saying the shortage of qualified teachers remains a challenge.
Woja Emmanuel, one of the participants, similarly called for more teachers to receive professional training.
Meanwhile, Mogga Emmanuel, Director General for Education in Central Equatoria State, said conflict and economic difficulties have affected South Sudan’s education system.
He urged government institutions, communities, and development partners to work together to ensure the program achieves its objectives.
The launch brought together county and state education officials, local chiefs, Parent-Teacher Association representatives, development partners, and media organisations.