Future through education: schools and children's center in South Sudan

Project Number: 179.1010

Many public schools in South Sudan have had to close because of the conflict in the country. Schools run by church institutions operate under difficult conditions. Around 70 percent of children of primary school age do not attend classes. Most of them are girls. The Presbyterian Church of South Sudan (PCOSS), Mission 21's partner church, is involved in building and renovating classrooms. It also trains teachers in dealing with traumatized children. Especially children who live on the streets without any support are at high risk of being recruited by the military. PCOSS runs a children's center called Muhaba Centre, where children receive refuge, education and psychosocial support.

Background information

The level of education in South Sudan is one of the lowest in the world. Around 73 percent of the population cannot read or write. Under these conditions, it is difficult to successfully advance personal careers. Boys and young men in particular, who are unable to attend school, are exposed to the high risk of having to take part in the conflict as child soldiers. According to the UN, almost 20,000 child soldiers have been trained in recent years. It is particularly difficult for girls to attend school. They are often taken out of school after elementary school and married off. This is largely out of necessity, as it is no longer possible to provide for all family members. The bride price often helps families out of financial hardship. The children's center offers the pupils education, food and a family atmosphere. A "safe haven" where they can also be children. PCOSS provides numerous services here that the state does not offer. In the first year, the children stay at the center, are taught there and receive intensive care from professional educators, as many suffer from trauma. After that, the children go to the surrounding state schools in Renk. The school fees are paid by the home. The children receive meals and have confidants, and homework supervision is also offered.

Project goals

The PCOSS educational programs give children and young people the opportunity to shape their lives according to their own wishes. Some of the children later have access to higher education. The knowledge they gain enables them to lead their lives more independently. They can also play an active role in social processes and decisions. Thanks to their education, the children are later able to lead a self-determined life.

Target group

After 20 years of working with boys in Muhaba, girls were admitted to the Children Center for the first time in 2018 and accepted into the "Muhaba family". This includes a safe place for children and young people and support with their education. In the first year, the traumatized children are cared for in the home in order to overcome their trauma and open up. Since the girls' school house was completed in 2023, 24 girls have had room to sleep and study in the house.

Activities

The PCOSS Department of Education implements the following activities:

Creation of "zones of peace" for children.
Strengthening primary and secondary schools as well as teachers in order to raise the level of education.
Care for children growing up without family support
Trainings for school staff concerning new teaching methods and school administration
Care and support for socially disadvantaged children at the children's center

Project progress

Until the start of construction in 2021, the girls were unable to spend the night at the Muhaba Center, as there were no dormitories or separate washrooms and it was often dangerous to walk home. With the decision in 2021, the foundation walls were first built and the roof was professionally plastered. The girls' building was officially opened in November 2023. In 2024, the boys' building was then put to the test: the old fence was replaced with a new, sturdy one and the crumbling roof was completely renovated to prevent water ingress and the associated health risks. These repairs laid the foundation for all children to be able to live in safe, secure accommodation in future.

In the same period, a total of 73 new children were admitted to the center. Eleven of them - four girls and seven boys - were enrolled in public schools and ten learners took their Leaving Certificate exams.

The daily care of the 73 children is seamlessly guaranteed: All of them enjoy balanced meals, receive necessary medication and are dressed appropriately for their age. At present, 65 of them regularly attend a formal educational institution.

Despite this progress, the center is not standing still: Additional building work is planned to accommodate even more girls in the future and to create more dormitories.

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