The South Sudan Education System
An in-depth look at the education system in South Sudan, highlighting the realities, the challenges, and the ongoing efforts to improve educational access and quality.
South Sudan is home to a diverse population of approximately 11.1 million people. Despite numerous challenges, the country is striving to build a robust education system to serve its citizens.
The official language of instruction is English, and the education system, though facing significant hurdles, is designed with the aim of fostering well-rounded individuals who can contribute positively to society.
However, the reality on the ground is often far from the ideal. The system struggles with issues such as limited resources, conflict, and a lack of infrastructure. Early Childhood Development (ECD) programs, though part of the intended structure, are almost non-existent due to these challenges.
At Windle Trust International (WTI), we are deeply involved in efforts to improve the education landscape in South Sudan. Working alongside the South Sudan Ministry of Education and other organizations, we strive to ensure that children and communities, especially those in challenging contexts, have access to quality education programmes.
Understanding the South Sudan education system structure
In addition to the formal education system, South Sudan also has a Non-Formal Education System, which provides flexible education programs to various population groups that are excluded from the formal education system due to conflict, natural hazards, lack of schools in their communities, poverty, and other factors. This includes programs like the Accelerated Learning Program (ALP), Community Based Girls Schools (CGS), Basic Adult Literacy Program (BALP), and the Pastoralist Education Program (PEP). WTI also implements an Accelerated Secondary Education Programme (ASEP) designed to help Primary School teachers complete their own educations.
The primary language of instruction is English, and students complete their education with the South Sudan Secondary School Certificate of Education. This certificate is awarded after successful completion of secondary education and passing the relevant examinations, which are typically held in March every year.
The South Sudan education system follows an 8+4+4 structure, catering to learners at different stages of their development, from early childhood to university level. However, due to various challenges, the implementation of this structure varies across the country.
The system is divided into several stages:
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Ideally, this stage caters to children aged 3 to 5 years. However, due to resource constraints and other challenges, ECD programs are almost non-existent in South Sudan.
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This stage is intended for children aged 6 to 13 years (P1-P8) and lasts for eight years. The curriculum at this stage includes subjects such as National Language, English, Mathematics, Religious Education, Science, Social Studies, The Arts, and Physical Education. Arabic is introduced from P5.
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Secondary education is divided into two stages, each lasting two years. The curriculum includes compulsory subjects like English, Mathematics, Religious Education, and Citizenship, along with optional subjects from a specified list.
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TVET offers vocational subjects like Mechanical Engineering, Agriculture, and Commerce, along with academic subjects like English language, Mathematics, Religious Studies, and Citizenship.
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This stage offers courses in the Sciences and Arts for students who have successfully completed secondary education. Science courses typically last 5-6 years, while Arts courses last 4 years. South Sudan has twelve universities, seven of which are public and five are private.
The South Sudan education system follows a competency-based curriculum, as outlined in the General Education Act 2012. The Act incorporates 12 guiding principles, including free and compulsory primary education for all citizens without discrimination, promotion of gender equity, and fostering development through integration, peace, self-reliance, patriotism, and respect for other cultures.
The Challenges Facing Education in South Sudan
The South Sudan education system faces numerous challenges, many of which are exacerbated by the country's ongoing humanitarian crisis. Outbreaks of conflict and civil war, economic stagnation and instability, and natural disasters have all had a profound impact on education in South Sudan.
Conflict and civil war have led to widespread displacement, with many families forced to flee their homes and communities. This displacement disrupts the education of children and young people, leading to gaps in their learning and, in many cases, causing them to drop out of school altogether. According to the World Bank, as of 2023, South Sudan remains in a serious humanitarian crisis, with an estimated 76% of the population in need of humanitarian assistance. This crisis has a significant impact on South Sudan education programmes, disrupting the education calendar and making it difficult for children to access consistent, quality education.
Natural disasters, such as severe droughts and floods, further compound these challenges. These disasters can destroy schools and other educational facilities, making it even more difficult for children to access education. They also exacerbate the country's economic challenges, making it harder for families to afford the costs associated with sending their children to school.
The quality of education in South Sudan is often low, due to a lack of funding and inadequate numbers of qualified teachers. The literacy level in the country is below 50%, and even lower for females. The education calendar is frequently interrupted due to conflict, flooding, and sometimes strikes due to low and delayed payment of teachers’ salaries. The teaching profession is not highly regarded in South Sudan, largely because of low salaries compared to other professions such as medicine, law, finance, and banking.
The quality of university education in South Sudan does not meet expected standards, largely due to the poor quality of secondary education, which is itself a result of poor-quality teaching and low remuneration. Both secondary schools and universities lack adequate textbooks and well-equipped libraries where learners can access the necessary information for their studies. Science subjects are often taught theoretically due to a lack of laboratories in secondary schools, and even the universities do not have well-equipped laboratories.
Insecurity and persistent flooding also disrupt learning, and poor learning facilities and infrastructure are often not accessible. There are few female teachers to act as role models, which can discourage girls from pursuing education.
Another significant challenge facing the South Sudan education system is the issue of child marriage and early pregnancy, particularly for girls. According to a UNICEF 2020 report, one in three girls in South Sudan become pregnant before turning 15. This not only disrupts girls' education but also has a significant impact on their prospects. This highlights the need for initiatives focused on girls’ education in South Sudan to address these challenges and ensure that girls have equal access to education.
In the face of these challenges, various NGOs, including Windle Trust International, are working to improve access to quality education in South Sudan. These organizations play a crucial role in addressing the challenges facing the South Sudan education system and helping to ensure that all children in South Sudan have the opportunity to learn and thrive.
Key statistics on the South Sudan education system
Population: South Sudan has a population of approximately 11.1 million people
Literacy Rates: The overall literacy rate in South Sudan is 44.1%. The youth literacy rate is slightly higher at 49%, but the female youth literacy rate lags behind at 48%.
School Attendance Rates: School attendance rates in South Sudan are significantly impacted by conflict, displacement, and other challenges. Exact rates vary and are difficult to determine due to these factors.
Number of Available Schools: South Sudan has approximately 8,000 primary schools, 120 secondary schools, and 12 universities (5 public and 7 private).
The Role of NGOs in Improving Education in South Sudan
Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) play a crucial role in supporting and improving the education system in South Sudan. They provide much-needed resources, expertise, and support to address the numerous challenges facing the education sector. This includes everything from teacher training and curriculum development to the construction of schools and the provision of learning materials.
One such NGO making a significant impact is Windle Trust International (WTI). With a strong presence in all ten states and three administrative areas of South Sudan, including a major presence in Juba, WTI is committed to improving literacy rates in South Sudan and ensuring that all children, especially girls, have access to quality education.
Our work is multifaceted and includes a range of programs aimed at addressing the various challenges facing education in South Sudan. For instance, WTI recognizes the importance of education for women and girls in South Sudan and has implemented specific initiatives to support girls' education. These initiatives aim to overcome cultural and societal barriers that often prevent girls from accessing education.
Read more about the importance of education for women and girls in South Sudan here.
One of WTI's key strategies is to ensure quality education for South Sudan. Recognizing the challenges posed by inadequate resources, teacher shortages, and interruptions to the education calendar, WTI works to provide support and solutions to these issues. This includes providing training for teachers, supplying learning materials, and implementing South Sudan education programmes that ensure education continuity even in times of conflict or natural disasters.
Read more about our work on ensuring quality education here.
In addition to WTI, there are numerous other NGOs working to improve the education system in South Sudan. For instance, Save the Children is another NGO that plays a significant role in the country. They provide children with access to education, health care, and nutrition support, and support families with food security and livelihoods assistance. Their child protection programs support vulnerable children, including former child soldiers and those affected by violence and displacement.
Together, NGOs like WTI and Save the Children play a crucial role in addressing the challenges facing the South Sudan education system and helping to ensure that all children in South Sudan have the opportunity to learn and thrive.
The Future of the South Sudan Education System
Looking ahead, the future of the South Sudan education system is marked by both challenges and opportunities. The South Sudan Development Strategy 2021-2024 outlines key priorities for improving education in the country, including national capacity assessment and surveys, infrastructure and equipment, and teachers’ education and training curricula. These priorities highlight the areas where concerted efforts are needed to enhance the quality and accessibility of education in South Sudan.
The South Sudan Education Programme (SSEP), an upcoming initiative by the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), is set to be a significant step forward for education in South Sudan. The SSEP is being planned as a follow-up to the Girls Education South Sudan (GESS) programme, which has been in operation since 2012. With a proposed budget of up to £90 million, the SSEP is expected to build on the multi-donor approach that was a key feature of the GESS programme.
NGOs like Windle Trust International will continue to play a crucial role in supporting these efforts and working towards the shared goal of improving access to quality education in South Sudan. Through their various programmes and initiatives, these NGOs are helping to address the challenges facing the South Sudan education system and paving the way for a brighter future for education in the country.
In conclusion, while the South Sudan education system faces numerous challenges, there is also significant potential for improvement and growth. With the combined efforts of the South Sudan Ministry of General Education and Instruction, NGOs, and programmes like the SSEP, there is hope for a future where all children in South Sudan have the opportunity to access quality education and realise their full potential.
