Transforming education in South Sudan

Only 35% of South Sudanese above age 15 can read and write, ranking the country with the fourth-lowest literacy rate in the world. As of 2021, 2.8 million children were out of school, and girls face disproportionate hardships, such as child marriage, that force them to abandon education.

The government is working with GPE and other partners to improve learning outcomes in a more inclusive and equal basic education.

The South Sudan Partnership Compact aligns with the national education sector plan for 2023-2027 and outlines how the priority reform will be implemented. With a focus on pre-primary and primary education, better teacher management and training are expected to contribute to more effective teaching that meets the diverse needs of students.

Increased technical and financial assistance to schools will reduce economic barriers to education for families and enhance the learning environment for students. Other measures to expand access, especially for girls and children with disabilities, include building schools in hard-to-reach areas and increasing community awareness of inclusive education.

South Sudan is also improving service delivery and coordination of basic education through better public finance and data management.

Result story

South Sudan: Securing a brighter future for children affected by conflict

  • South Sudan’s protracted conflict has taken a heavy toll on the education system.
  • The country has one of the world’s highest proportions of out-of-school children, with about 3 in 5 children outside of the classroom.
  • GPE, UNICEF and education partners are helping the government of South Sudan implement interventions to reduce the number of out-of-school children by 15%.

Key data

12%

of government expenditure on education

Grants

(data as of December 21, 2024)

 
  • Type: Multiplier

    Years: 2024 - 2029

    Allocation: US$12,330,000

    Utilization: US$831,588

    Grant agent: WB

  • Type: Program development

    Years: 2024 - 2025

    Allocation: US$200,000

    Utilization: 0

    Grant agent: SCNORWAY

  • Type: Program development

    Years: 2024

    Allocation: US$200,000

    Utilization: 0

    Grant agent: SCNORWAY

Civil society engagement

As part of its investment in civil society advocacy and social accountability efforts, GPE’s Education Out Loud fund is supporting the South Sudan National Education Coalition for the 2024-2026 period. This builds on previous support from the Civil Society Education Fund (CSEF).

Learn more

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