On Monday 9th /March/2026. The National Coordinator, Dr Ador Riak Nyiel. joined a joint delegation led by Hon. Dr. Kuyok Abol Kuyok, Minister of General Education and Instruction, at the launch of the National Back-to-School Campaign in Wau, Western Bahr El Ghazal State. The event brought together H.E. Gen. Sherif Daniel, Governor of WBG State, the Ambassadors of the United Kingdom and Canada, the Deputy Ambassador of the European Union, Ms. Noala, UNICEF South Sudan Representative, several development partners, government officials, and children at Kosti Girls Nursery and Primary School.
He emphasized the need for children and teachers return to school, remain in school, learn, and successfully transition. This call comes at a time when the education sector continues to face serious challenges, particularly the shortage of teachers caused by low motivation and unpaid salaries. On behalf of the National Education Coalition, He also strongly urged the government to prioritize and release the Capitation Grant to fulfill commitments outlined in Article 29 of the Constitution, the Education Act 2012, and the Presidential Order of February 2023 on free and compulsory quality and inclusive education for all children in South Sudan.
He added, despite these commitments, the sector remains critically underfunded. The General Education Act 2012 stipulates that at least 10 percent of the annual budget should be allocated to education, yet the draft 2025/26 budget proposes only 3.5 percent, with just 1.7 percent dedicated to General Education. Such inadequate financing undermines the ability to pay teachers’ salaries, provide training and professional development, construct classrooms, supervise education at all levels, print sufficient textbooks, and train Parent-Teacher Associations to strengthen governance at the school level.
The National Coordinator sincerely appreciated the donors and development partners for their tireless support to South Sudan’s education sector. Their commitment to sustain hope for millions of children, and we encourage them to remain steadfast in this shared mission of ensuring quality, inclusive, and equitable education for all.
