MSC Summer Appeal 2025: Education in South Sudan

CHANGE FOR GENERATIONS

Young women in South Sudan face severe challenges when it comes to education. Following decades of conflict and violence, it is one of the most difficult places in the world for girls to access education and complete their schooling.

• While figures are slightly improving, it remains that less than 40% of girls in South Sudan attend school.
• Over 50% of girls are married before the age of 18.
• Young women in South Sudan are often traded by their families for dowries in cattle. This “bride price” means the women are expected to stay at home and fulfil domestic duties with very little chance of education or progression.
• It is reported that a young girl in South Sudan is three times more likely to die in childbirth than she is to complete secondary school.

MSCs SUPPORTING EDUCATION

Fr Alan Neville MSC is currently working as principal at the Catholic University in Rumbek, South Sudan. Along with the Loreto Rumbek primary and secondary schools, the team here work to champion education for women in the region. The benefits are tremendous, not only for the women themselves, but for their families, their communities, their children, and for future generations to come.

CAN YOU HELP?

A DAY IN THE LIFE…

Helena is 25 years old and is in her second year of a four-year Bachelor of Business Administration Degree. She has three other children along with six-month-old Isabella. Here, we learn more about what it’s like to be a young mother studying in South Sudan.

An early start…

A day of study begins early for Helena and her fellow students. Hardly any South Sudanese people own their own car, and these women generally have to walk to classes, often carrying their baby with them. Their journeys are often long – one of the current female students walks about an hour and a half to get to her classes, and then home again afterwards.

High hopes

Most women are studying for a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA), in the hope of starting their own business, or being employed by an NGO. Others are studying for a Bachelor of Education (BEd). Those studying to be teachers are extremely dedicated, as teaching is not a highly paid position, and it is not unheard of for teachers to receive no payment at all for months on end. Their desire is to educate, having worked so hard to gain that education for themselves.

Culture & climate

South Sudan is the youngest country in the world, and is still suffering the consequences of a civil war which ended in 2018. The women who have lived through this are remarkably resilient, but the lack of basic services, such as essential healthcare, presents difficulties. In addition, the climate can be challenging, with rainy season living up to its name, and intense heatwaves seeing temperatures reach over 40°C. It is not uncommon for the government to issue closure orders for schools when this happens, and in recent times, these mums have had to sit exams in stifling temperatures – often caring for a baby at the same time.

“During the day it is hot,” says Helena. “Our temperatures can go up to 42°C, so it is difficult to study. Our lecturers are very committed and we don’t miss a single class.”

Overcoming financial challenges

Support systems

Being able to bring their babies to class is a key factor for the success of these young women. As well as partial funding, practical help is also available, such as the provision of baby kits and mats for babies to lie on while their mums study.

“When you are pregnant in other universities you are suspended, but here we are allowed to bring our babies with us and this really helps,” Helena explains.

Late-night study

Less than 9% of the population here has access to electricity in the home, and the sun sets every night by 6.00pm. Up until recently, students would study at home with only the light of a mobile phone to read by. A Late-Night Study programme now runs three evenings a week, allowing students to work in the library until 8.00pm. This has been helpful, but it is still taboo for a woman to be out after dark unaccompanied.

Empowering future generations

Without doubt, the women of South Sudan live a harsh life, but these students are resolved to get ahead and to create a brighter future for their own children. Veronica is studying for a BBA, pictured here with her son, Elly, who is currently working towards a BEd, and Elly’s sons.

Veronica stresses the vital importance of education, leading the way for her son, and now for her grandchildren too.

“Education is very important for so many things,” Veronica says. “If you are not educated, you are not going anywhere.”

PLEASE HELP US TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN SOUTH SUDAN

SUPPORTING WOMEN IN LEARNING

From the provision of baby kits and mats for infants to lie on in lectures, to scholarships and after-hours study with an electricity supply, the Catholic University in Rumbek is doing everything in their power to ensure that female students have every opportunity to finish their education, with the support of the MSC.

These women, with their incredible strength and determination, have big dreams for themselves and for their children. Your support is invaluable in helping us to help them.

IF YOU CAN, PLEASE SUPPORT OUR 2025 SUMMER APPEAL

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