VP Hussein says governors diverting girls’ motivation cash 

JUBA – South Sudan’s Vice President for Service Cluster, Hussein Abdelbagi Akol has accused some states governors of swindling the cash transfer meant to motivate girls to stay in school.

Graphics Executive Support System (GESS) cash transfer initiative has helped more than 295,000 South Sudanese girls to stay in schools.

The program funded by the UK government seeks to improve female literacy rates in South Sudan – which are some of the lowest in the world – by helping tackle the challenges that often lead to girls dropping out.

Abdelbagi who spoke during the opening of the 5th governor’s forum held in Juba on Monday claimed that the cash transfer which targets about 460,545 girls from primary school to secondary school has been diverted into private use by some states governors.

“The transfer money or funds to the states for educations are diverted by some governors in the states to different fields and for this reason, I am telling governors that this is not acceptable and urge you to stop it this kind of activities,” Abdelbagi said.

Abdelbagi said the country continues to witness illegal occupation of school properties and conversion of school premises to commercial facilities by some elements in the community.

“I would like to take this opportunity to call on governors implement early directives issued by national cabinet ordering recovering of schools assets use for commercial activities,” he said.

“Conducive learning environment must be restored to some of these affected schools countrywide. One of our cornerstone policies is to establish national boarding schools in the country. Such national schools shall foster national unity among our learners and promote nationalism as we strive to build future generations free from the tribal segment,” he added.