reopening of schools in south sudan

An Indonesian citizen evacuated from Sudan sits in a bus after she arrives at the Soekarno-Hatta Airport in Tangerang, on the outskirts of Jakarta, Indonesia, April 28, 2023. Why Would A Black Family Get An Aquarium Membership? But public expenditure is one of the worlds lowest for education. Essential health services are provided in former UN Protection of Civilian sites, host communities as well as remote and hard-to-reach locations serviced by the IOMs mobile rapid response teams. All military members are unconditionally prohibited from occupying schools, interfering with, or disrupting school classes or activities, or using school facilities for any purpose," Angelina said in her directives. Schools across the country were frequently closed due to fighting and the threat of violence, and hundreds of schools and other civilian assets were looted and destroyed. Schools are places for children to be safe and to be protected and also to access basic services, school feeding and so on.. We applaud for the plan of the Ministry of General Education and Instruction to gradually reopen schools in the coming weeks and encourage the National COVID-19 Taskforce to support the plan. We would also like to take the opportunity to thank the education partners who have supported the distant learning programme in this difficult time, and especially the EU/ECHO, the Government of Norway, UKAid and USAID. [Photo: Radio Tamazuj, South Sudan launches school reopening across the country. The crisis in South Sudan has impeded education for most of the countrys children. Yet, it is critical to balance the overwhelmingly damaging effects of school closures on children with the need to control the spread of COVID-19. The students and the teachers will also be provided with washable face masks. "To save education, we need to stop the violence, allocate enough budget for education, provide free learning materials, expand adult education and allow all children to complete at least free primary and secondary education. South Sudans Information minister Michael Makuei told The East African that the decision had been arrived at after a comprehensive study by the National Taskforce on Covid-19. On that day the Vice-President of South Sudan, and the Minister of General Education and Instruction rang the bell in Juba Boys Primary School. SSEC- Report After Action Review of School Feeding (South Sudan Humanitarian Fund-SA 1) Questionnaire - IRNA Education Chapter. We dont have a school day to lose, the children have already lost so many. With the academic year cut just six weeks in, many students were worried they would never be able to sit their final exams and finish their education. This builds on 11 years of Civil Society Education Fund (CSEF) support to national education coalitions for their engagement in education sector policy dialogue. Groundwater, making the invisible visible. Parents are also thrilled to see their children returning to school. As children in South Sudan await the re-opening of schools, WFP is mitigating against the impact of the pandemic on children's health and nutrition by providing take-home rations for 23,000 children in the most food-insecure counties. (END). The South Sudan government in partnership with GESS will pay capitation grants, in addition to cash transfers, to girls at levels from primary five (5) to senior fouer (4), Minister disclosed. GPE had provided the South Sudan National Education Coalition with a grant from the CSEF to support its engagement in education sector policy dialogue and citizens voice in education quality, equity, and financing and sector reform. These include violence, exploitation and abuse (and) recruitment by armed groups, still going on, psychosocial distress and family separation. Juba, South Sudan, After 14 months, schools in South Sudan reopen, Welcome to the United Nations country team website of South Sudan. Share. "COVID-19 is still with us but we have decided to reopen schools . But the countrywide reopening of schools in May 2021 is an opportunity to secure the future of children in South Sudan. Phase 1 includes the candidate classes, Primary 8 and Senior 4, and will start the first week of October 2020. Charity and Empowerment Foundation with support from Save the Children invited stakeholders for the official launch of the 'Safe Schools Declaration Guidelines' for South Sudan on Monday. The following three years of the GESP are focused on institutionalizing teacher training, school supervision, and expansion of secondary and technical education. "Overstaying at home is embarrassing us and erasing away the knowledge we acquired from our teachers. These services range from maternal and child health, including the screening of under-fives to detect malnutrition, sexual and reproductive health services and testing and treatment for HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis. Private and public institutions including primary, secondary, and universities, were permitted to resume learning under COVID-19 restricted measures. Their mental health deteriorates. Awut Deng Achuil, minister for general education said the first phase of reopening that kicks off on October 5 will involve only 75,000 pupils in primary 8 and 35,000 students in senior 4 across the . UNICEF has committed funds and support to the education ministry to distribute equipment allowing schools to adhere to the Covid-19 preventive measures. We are calling on to the teachers to welcome their pupils back in their classes. With the closure of schools, from one day to another, the number of out of school children in South Sudan had almost doubled. Describing the "joy" felt by children and aid workers as classrooms reopened on Monday after more than 14 months of COVID . Children are safer inside the school walls than outside. Online learning is only for the privileged few. Nation-wide Assessment Dataset - SSEC - 2017-11. These include handwashing, stations, WASH supplies, thermometers, reusable masks, and menstrual hygiene management kits. John is one of the beneficiaries of school materials handed Usually, we look forward to the holidays, but suddenly our holiday became so long," Wendy said. But the countrywide reopening of schools in May 2021 is an opportunity to secure the future of children in South Sudan. Lawrence Mathew (15), a senior three student says also he has been struggling; "We have been out of school and idle at home for over a year, sometimes we revise our past lessons, but we are losing hope that our classes will reopen.". Together with our partners, we work in 190 countries and territories to translate that commitment into practical action, focusing special effort on reaching the most vulnerable and excluded children, to the benefit of all children, everywhere. For Daniel, Wendy and other candidates sitting their final exams in early 2021, education resumed last year in October 2020. And what they said, they should continue with it and help our teachers so that we shall continue with our studies, Shantal Dominic said. Nathalina Samuel is happy that her seven children can resume their education. In the face of this unprecedented public health crisis, it is true that families, communities and governments are averse to making any call that might bring harm to children. The pandemic has left the most vulnerable and marginalized even further off track when it comes to access to quality education. However, candidate classes were allowed to sit their national examinations. And we know this has not been a short period; fourteen months of children being out of school are long, said Ms. Hamida. It is estimated that 72% of children are out of school at the primary level and that 76% of girls are out of school the highest rate globally. And the risks for them of keeping schools closed outweigh the health risks caused by the pandemic. The program is complementary to South Sudans US$7 million COVID-19 grant. (Its) about controlling malaria, its about controllingany measles outbreaks, its about providing clean water to kids, he explained, before highlighting the multiple risks that children face. 22 September 2020. Students and pupils learn different things in contrast to what is taught in schools as they are not keen to revise their books; only the reopening of schools can make everything better, and the learning process will resume smoothly.. The event was graced by the Vice President in charge of Service Cluster, Abdelbagi Ayii and the Minister of General Education and Instruction, Awut Deng. Schools reopening date set to be decided today. Prolonged school closures are likely to cause students to regress academically. The longer children are out of school, the harder it is to get them back. In March 2020, all education facilities I can tell you that we will work day and night as we have done before to ensure that not only about the opening of schools but sustaining these children to stay in schools and supporting all areas which involve quality and quantity when it comes to education. Major General Chol Diar disclosed at today's function that such orders have already been issued for schools recently occupied by armed groups -especially in Western Equatoria state to be vacated and the forces organized. After an initial allocation of $35.7 million, a $6 million additional grant was approved to contribute to the implementation of the General Education Strategic Plan (GESP), 2017-2022. Usually, we look forward to the holidays, but suddenly our holiday became so long," Wendy said. And to the children, who have advocated for a return to school so that they can resume with their education and meet their teachers and peers again, we say that their message was heard; they also have a role to play to keep their schools safe. Parents are also thrilled to see their children returning to school. "We are here to declare our commitment to practice the safe school declaration," said Vice President Ayii after handing over copies of the guidelines. So, my appeal will be to the parents across the entire country that all the children in this country must report back to school boys and girls together. This time, we worked so hard to complete the syllabus, thanks to our amazing teachers.". Monday, August 30, 2021. WFP Eastern Africa - 2022 Regional Achievements & Outlook, UNICEF South Sudan Appeal, 2023 Revision 1 (April 2023), WFP South Sudan Situation Report #310, 28 February 2023, Culture, Context and Mental Health and Psychosocial Well-Being of Refugees and Internally Displaced Persons from South Sudan. Copyright 2023 United Nations in South Sudan, Caption: Bell ringing ceremony to mark the reopening of schools after 14 months closure due to COVID-19. I know you want what is best for your children, and right now that is sending them back to school. Beijing ICP prepared NO.16065310-3. The reopening will happen in phases. Our work on the Sustainable Development Goals. Copies were also given to the Ministry of Justice. The family noise meant she had to study at a neighbour's house or wait until the nighttime snoring stoppedbefore she could open her books. 165. UNICEF is thankful for all the support from our trusted Education partners, including Canada, EU/ECHO, Norway, Sweden, the Global Partnership for Education, UKAID and USAID. The recovery rate was more than 95 per cent in some of the most difficult-to-operate areas of the world, he added. Unfortunately, some of them were going through many difficulties and challenges, as we all know. Students and pupils learn different things in contrast to what is taught in schools as they are not keen to revise their books; only the reopening of schools can make everything better, and the learning process will resume smoothly.. The booklets were handed over to the Undersecretary in the Ministry of Defense, Major General Chol Diar Ngang and the Deputy Inspector General of Police Lieutenant-General James Pui Yak Yiel. We bring people and nations together through education, culture and science. Lawrence Mathew (15), a senior three studentsays also he has been struggling;"We have been out of school and idle at home for over a year, sometimes we revise our past lessons, but we are losing hope that our classes will reopen.". We now know more about children and COVID-19 than we did before. The Minister of General Education and Instructions, Awut Deng Achuil reaffirmed her commitment to protecting schools and protecting children. 6,385 Views. Internally displaced persons, returnees and conflict-affected populations already living in dire conditions may soon face even greater danger to their lives and health due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the onset of the rainy season and floods, the UN agency said. Hussein Abdelbagi Akol, Vice President in charge of Service . With support from GPE and UNICEF, the government of South Sudan is making progress in enrolling children against a backdrop of political instability, a struggling economy and armed conflict. "I am happy that right now, we can study again. What you need to know about the new 2023 SDG 4 Scorecard, Mr. Mohamed Ag Ayoya, UNICEF Representative in South Sudan, Mr. Julius Banda, UNESCO Representative in South Sudan, Office of International Standards and Legal Affairs. Both Wendy and Daniel made it through the lessons and were part of the scenes of joy and relief after the last exam was done. "To ensure what is in the book is understood and put into practice for the sake of our children, dedicated individuals must be tasked to disseminate the guidelines [and] communities need to be included in the safe school campaigns because, during floods, schools are often occupied by the affected communities," she stressed. This should lead to a robust plan for ensuring all children receive a quality education, Rama Hansraj underscored. COVID-19 is still with us but we have decided to reopen schools and will strictly follow COVID-19 preventative measures in the schools, Akol told journalists in Juba during the official reopening for learners. In conclusion, Save the Childrens Country Director called for an increase in funding for peace education and the implementation of the Safe School Declaration guidelines., Written by Daniel Danis/Save the Children, United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs. It is now ten years since Chinese President Xi Jinping made his first visit to Africa, with Tanzania being his first stop on the Opinion Piece: The Author isDr Zhou Pingjian, the Ambassador of China to Kenya. South Sudan Deputy Inspector General of Police, who also represented the Minister of Interior at the launch of the document described it as a "great document if implemented. Hussein Abdelbagi Akol, Vice President in charge of service cluster, said the decision came in the wake of the recent drop in COVID-19 infections since March. As part of its investment in civil society advocacy and social accountability efforts, GPEs Education Out Loud fund is supporting the South Sudan National Education Coalition for the 2019-2021 period. More than 800,000 people in South Sudan might lose access to health services if humanitarian funding is not met: https://t.co/94dCWnnttD pic.twitter.com/YB1EY7AGib. However, nothing can replace face-to face education. Students tried to keep learning at home,but Wendy Ahonda (16)explains it was no easy feat. To build forward better, Save the Children and partners ensure equal opportunities for learners as COVID-19 restrictions are relaxed and normalcy resumes includes COVID-19 recovery for children, safe learning at education centers, scaling up and adapting financing which calls for urgent filling of the education [financing] gaps, and focusing on equity and child participation. Sadly, on these fronts, the evidence is overwhelming. There is only one functional teacher training college in the country to meet the demand for training teachers. 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The US$7 million COVID-19 grant supports: In late March 2020, the UNICEF office in South Sudan received a GPE grant of US$70,000 to support the Ministry of Education in planning its response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. October 6, 2020 12:32 pm. Students return to school in Juba, South Sudan, after more than fourteen months of COVID-19 restrictions. The warning comes ahead of the upcoming rainy season, whichbrings with it a higher risk of cholera, malaria and respiratory infections. Verified 5 days ago. Despite conflicting opinions on the question, theres no mistaking the strong, almost visceral response shared by all: there is a need to protect the young from the risk of harm brought on by the Covid-19 pandemic. Come June, primary healthcare services may no longer be available for women and children, the elderly and those living with disabilities. Since the Russia-Ukraine conflict broke out, western media have been demanding in their reports that "Africa should be silent no more." Fifty-eightwomen and children of more than 600 who were abducted last year during vicious intercommunal fighting in South Sudan, have been reunited with their families, the UN Spokesperson told reporters on Monday. "I am so excited for completing my exams despite the long stay at home. Pupils attend a class at Spire Road Primary School in Jinja on March 1. Also, thousands of children, particularly those living in rural areas, from poorer families or with special needs, rely on schools as a lifeline to meals. The GPEII program financed by the US$41.7 million grant is designed to ensure that by the end of 2023, the number of boys and girls who are out of school in target areas decreases by 15%, while ensuring an increased equitable access to quality education through working closely with other programs. Mobilizing community and advocating for enrolling more girls. Numerous reports speak about child marriages and early pregnancies due to girls being out of school and increased gender-based violence. The countrywide reopening of schools in South Sudan is a welcome step on the road to normalcy for youngsters, two in three of whom need humanitarian assistance, the UN Childrens Fund (UNICEF) said on Tuesday. Some of the previous easing of restrictions included reduction of the curfew period, resumption of regional flights and the reopening of markets, shops and bars. Schools in South Sudan were shut down for 14 months to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Phase 2 includes all schools and grades and will coincide with the start of the academic year in February 2021. "Overstaying at home is embarrassing us and erasing away the . The year of 2022 witnessed a landmark setback for U.S. human rights, a report on human rights violations in the United States issued by https://www.youtube.com/embed/aTJzV7uBPJo These dangers included early pregnancies, child labour, recruitment into illegal groups and mental anguish. UNICEF country representative in South Sudan, Dr. Hamida Lasseko, also speaking at the same event reiterated UNICEFs commitment to continue supporting the education sector in South Sudan. I am excited to hear schools will reopen and soon we shall get to reunite with friends and teachers to learn more," Lawrence said. In a UNICEF letter-writing workshop, out-of-school students poured out their hearts to their instructors. I am very excited to enrol for my bachelor's degree in logistics studies; it is so appealing.". The Safe School Declaration has been developed in the form of Schools as . On April 21, 2021, Save the Children in collaboration with national partner CEF lobbied the Ministry of Defense and Veteran Affairs to express political commitment to advance the principles of safe school declaration by unconditionally prohibiting the military from occupying schools, "There is a need to domesticate the Safe School Declaration," Rama said. Emotions of joy and relief ran high at OR Tambo International Airport, as family, friends and . UNICEF is committed to working with the ministry of education to ensure learning continues in the country. "I am happy that schools are going to reopen. See more. Even the teachers are ready to go back to work. It was also attended by the Undersecretary in the Ministry of Defense, the Deputy Inspector General of Police, students and representatives of the UN agencies, among others. Copyright 2020 CGTN. We applaud for the plan of the Ministry of General Education and Instruction to gradually reopen schools in the coming weeks and encourage the National COVID-19 Taskforce to support the plan. By Deng Machol Juba - On Thursday, the Government of Norway has provided NOK 90 million [$10 million] to support a safe return to school for children in restive South Sudan. On that day the Vice-President of South Sudan, and the Minister of General Education and Instruction rang the bell in Juba Boys Primary School. A lot of the girls who got pregnant or were married off will most likely never return. Students tried to keep learning at home, but Wendy Ahonda (16) explains it was no easy feat. You can sense the jubilation at Development Secondary School in Juba as senior four students braced the blistering heat to celebrate the completion of their secondary school examinations. Photo Credit: WFP For almost 75 years,the UNESCO Courierhas served as a platform for international debates on issues that concern the entire planet. UNICEF and UNESCO are urging donors and partners to step forward to support the reopening of schools in South Sudan. I work for a government agency A special emphasis should go to support their return to schools. UNICEF has been one of many strong advocates for the reopening of schools. My plan for the exam is to study as much as possible, keep on reading every day and hope that I am ready for the examination, said Daniel, days after returning to school. To counter disruptions in education caused by COVID-19, UNMISS peacekeepers from Mongolia hand over school materials for displaced children in Bentiu. VCG. The Minister of General Education and Instruction (MoGEI) has just announced that all schools in South Sudan will reopen on 3 May 2021. "I am happy that schools are going to reopen. "I am happy that right now, we can study again. Scholar: Africa is not a pawn. The closure ended up being a huge blow for education, but more than anything it turned into a child rights crisis. Receive daily updates directly in your inbox -, Joy in South Sudan, as schools reopen after 14-month COVID lockdown, UN reportsleap forward in regulating DNA-altering technology to benefit all, Ukraine: Oxygen shortage putting lives in danger, Gaza medics struggling to cope with influx of wounded: UN agencies, Women abducted in South Sudan released, hundreds remain missing, UN agencies call for urgent action to avert famine risk in 20 hunger hotspots. In her remarks, Save the Children's Country Director, Rama Hansraj said there is a need for strong participation of the government to enforce the document. Meanwhile, the Executive Director of CEF, Chol Gai appreciated the Ministry of Defense, Interior and partners for committing to the document. The education system in the country consists of 8,000 primary schools (grades 1-8), 120 secondary schools (grades 9-12) and one university. Last update: 21 April 2022. Famine isalready onthe doorstepof millions of families in 20 countries, twoUNagencies warned on Tuesday in a reportthat callsfor urgent action to avertrising hunger due to factors such asconflict, climate extremes and the COVID-19 pandemic. My plan for the exam is to study as much as possible, keep on reading every day and hope that I am ready for the examination, said Daniel, days after returning to school. Business is resuming. With the closure of schools, from one day to another, the number of out of school children in South Sudan had almost doubled. An additional . "This year is unique; I am proud of all candidates who never experienced school closures before, and despite the pandemic and crazy things happening, reading for exams in a short time. ", This was the message delivered to the government and armed groups by school children during the official launch of the 'Safe School Declaration' guideline in Juba on Monday 25, 2021.

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