On 4th August 2026, the National Education Coalition (NEC) participated in an oversight and support mission to the State Ministry of General Education in Bor, Jonglei State. NEC was represented by its National Coordinator, Dr. Ador Riak Nyiel, who joined Hon. Dr. Kuyok Abol Kuyok, Minister of General Education and Instruction, Republic of South Sudan, and other education stakeholders.
Despite the many adversities and enormous challenges facing the delivery of quality and inclusive education in South Sudan, the mission demonstrated that there is still hope through continued collaboration between the government, civil society, development partners, and communities.
During the visit, the delegation toured three schools representing different education providers: Bor A Government Primary School, St. Andrew, a faith-based school, and Amazing Grace, a private school. These visits provided an opportunity to assess learning conditions, interact with school leadership, and reflect on the realities facing learners, particularly those attending government-owned schools.
The mission highlighted the urgent need to improve teachers’ welfare and conditions of service in Jonglei State and across the country. Teachers remain the central pillar in the delivery of quality education and are essential to the sustainable development of South Sudan. Investing in teachers is therefore critical to ensuring better learning outcomes for all children.
The delegation also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to education as enshrined in the Transitional Constitution of the Republic of South Sudan, 2011 (as amended in 2016), Article 29, read together with the provisions of Chapter V of the General Education Act and the Presidential Order of February 2023, which commit the Government to providing free and compulsory basic education as a fundamental human right and to financing the education sector through an annual budget allocation of at least 10 percent.
While acknowledging the continuing shortfall in government financing for education, the mission recognized the invaluable support of development partners who continue to invest in the education sector despite the changing global funding landscape. Appreciation was extended to UNICEF South Sudan, Save the Children South Sudan, and the many national organizations supporting education initiatives in Jonglei State.
The delegation also commended the leadership and commitment of Hon. Dr. Kuyok Abol Kuyok in advancing education across the country despite the many challenges. During the visit, the Minister further committed to supporting the construction of additional classrooms at St. Andrew and pledged increased government support to Amazing Grace School, emphasizing that “these children belong to South Sudan and are South Sudanese.”
As part of this important engagement, NEC reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with the Ministry of General Education and Instruction, state education authorities, development partners, and communities to strengthen inclusive, equitable, and quality education for every child in South Sudan.
