Attachments
CONTEXT
The humanitarian situation in South Sudan is deteriorating, impaired by factors such as conflict, intercommunal violence and the climate change. An estimated 2 million children, including 1,535,257 residents, 311,447 internally displaced, and 189,185 returnee children, along with nearly 41,000 teachers, all requiring Education related humanitarian aid. These needs are diverse and necessitate comprehensive, multi-sectoral interventions, particularly in hard-to-reach areas.
The education sector in South Sudan faces unique challenges, including a shortage of qualified teachers. Insufficient training for a third of teachers contributes to high pupil-teacher ratios, averaging 93:1. Additionally, there is a dire need to increase learning materials, especially for early childhood education, as textbook ratios for primary students are currently at 8:1, significantly below the recommended 1:1 guideline.
Critical support is needed for teaching materials and life-saving incentives to ensure quality education. Creating a secure and enabling learning environment, with a specific focus on gender-sensitive settings and segregated water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) facilities, remains a critical concern. Notably, children with disabilities, particularly those in crisis-affected areas, continue to lack adequate support for quality education.
Addressing these pressing issues demands a coordinated and sustained effort from humanitarian organizations, governments, and the international community. Immediate relief measures must be complemented by long-term solutions for the well-being of South Sudanese children. In response to this crisis, 44 UN agencies, international and national non-governmental organizations have initiated a $50.1 million USD Education in Emergency project as part of the 2024 Humanitarian response.
Cluster Objectives
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Emergency-affected children and youth have access to safe, protective, inclusive education services that are appropriate to their age, learning level and need.
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Children and youth are provided with quality teaching and learning services that support retention and progress through the education cycle.
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Coordination and crisis management capacity is strengthened to promote efficient, accountable, and timely education in emergencies response