Implemented by MoGEI in partnership with UNICEF and the Save the Children Consortium (SCI, NRC & UNESCO) as grant agents, the initiative harmonizes three key GPE funding streams: The System Transformation Grant (STG), Girls’ Education Accelerator (GEA) and System Capacity Grant (SCG) under one integrated, government-led programme.
“The Government of South Sudan is fully committed to ensuring that all children can obtain a quality education,” said Dr. Kuyok Abol Kuyok, Minister of General Education and Instruction.
“This funding from GPE will provide life-saving educational opportunities for hundreds of thousands of crisis-affected girls and boys across the country. We call on global leaders to scale up support to sustain this momentum,” he added.
The program comes at a critical time when more than 2.8 million school-age children, over 70%, are currently out of school. In support of national efforts to address this education crisis, the program will directly benefit over 300,000 learners and reach an additional 600,000 indirectly across 20 counties, including some of the most affected areas such as Jonglei, Lakes, and the Greater Pibor Administrative Area (GPAA).
Through the System Transformation Grant, 250,000 children, half of them girls, will get support, including 3,000 children with disabilities and 1,120 from pastoralist communities. About 7,300 teachers will also benefit.
The Girls’ Education Accelerator (GEA) will help 33,000 girls, 2,000 children with disabilities, 1,650 teachers, and 29,500 boys through special programs like Accelerated Learning and sexuality education. The System Capacity Grant (SCG) will strengthen how education policies are made, planned, and delivered across the country.
“This is an investment in children’s futures and South Sudan’s peace and prosperity,” said Christopher Nyamandi, Save the Children Country Director. “With GPE support, we will reach the most excluded children, ensuring safe, inclusive access to quality education, even in the face of climate shocks and conflict.”
“Boys, and especially girls, have been shortchanged for too long, with no clear path to education. As Nelson Mandela said, “Education is the most powerful weapon you can use to change the world”. UNICEF is excited to partner with GPE and other stakeholders to realize this powerful change for the boys and especially the girls of South Sudan, said UNICEF Representative, ai, Obia Achieng
This flagship program aligns with South Sudan’s national priorities and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially SDG 4 – inclusive and equitable quality education for all. It also reflects GPE’s core commitment to Gender Equality, national ownership, and system-wide impact.