YAMBIO — The government of Western Equatoria State has officially launched a state-wide campaign to promote girl child education, pledging full government support to ensure equal learning opportunities for girls across the state.
The campaign was launched on Friday at the State Ministry of General Education and Instruction in Yambio by the Acting Governor, Justin Joseph Marona, who emphasized that educating girls is vital to achieving peace, reconciliation, and economic development in South Sudan.
“When a girl is educated, she becomes an advocate for peace and reconciliation and a fighter against poverty,” said Acting Governor Marona during his address.
Marona noted that despite progress in education, many families still face economic and cultural barriers that prevent girls from completing their schooling.
He assured that the state government will strengthen policies and awareness programs to promote and protect girl child education.
He urged schoolgirls to stay focused on their studies and avoid distractions such as discos and nightclubs, stressing the importance of discipline and determination.
“Be friendly with your books because you cannot achieve your dreams if you are not reading. The future of Western Equatoria is in your hands,” he told the students.
The acting governor also directed school head teachers to maintain discipline and ensure students dress modestly, reflecting the moral and cultural values.
He appealed to parents and guardians to reduce domestic workloads for girls and refrain from sending them to sell goods in the streets, warning that such practices expose them to risks and disrupt their education.
“Stop sending little girls to sell bread or boiled maize in the streets. This is where boys take advantage of them and destroy their future,” Marona cautioned.
For his part, Edmond Yakani, the Executive Director of Community Empowerment for Progress Organization (CEPO), praised the state government for its renewed commitment to girl child education.
“This initiative is remarkable and encouraging. It shows that Western Equatoria is serious about empowering girls through education,” Yakani said.
He recalled that in 2015, CEPO launched advocacy for the Girl Child Education Act, which aims to promote girls’ education through legislative reforms.
Yakani added that CEPO will continue to support Western Equatoria State’s efforts and collaborate with the state parliament to push for the enactment of laws protecting and promoting girl child education.
“CEPO is implementing a project focused on the enactment of girl child education laws. We are ready to work hand in hand with the Western Equatoria State government to make this a reality,” he added.
The event drew participation from students, teachers, education officials, and community leaders who welcomed the initiative as a major step toward empowering girls and transforming communities across Western Equatoria.
