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THE conflict in South Sudan is continuing to have a devastating impact on children’s education one year after violence first erupted, warns charity Plan International.
At least 1.7 million school-age children are out of education in the country. Many have had to flee their homes and school buildings are either damaged or being used to house the displaced.
Around 9,000 children have become soldiers, according to the national education in emergency cluster.
Before the current emergency, literacy rates in places like Jonglei state, were only 15 per cent – but there are fears the conflict could set education back even further.
“The current emergency has further run down an already insufficient education system in South Sudan,” says Roland Angerer, Regional Director for Plan International in Eastern and Southern Africa.
“If the situation continues unchecked these children will not only lose valuable years of study, they are at high risk of early marriage, child labour and exploitation.
“One lost generation is enough. Only education will give them the tools and opportunities to grow up and build a better and more peaceful society,” he adds.
Most of the 1,200 schools in Jonglei, Unity and Upper Nile States, have been closed since the crisis began. In Duk County, Jonglei State, all 20 primary schools are closed, leaving an estimated 10,000 children out of school and 160 teachers without a job.
Many schools have been damaged or destroyed by fighting. In Leer County of Unity State alone, 15 out of 36 schools were burned and remain unusable. Since the conflict erupted, at least 91 schools have been occupied by armed groups or used as shelters by the displaced.
Like many other children, 11-year old Beatrice had to flee her home. Now she attends a school built by Plan in Malatuk, Lakes State.
“I came from Bor with my relatives. Before the war, I used to study in a good classroom but when the war started our classrooms were destroyed, our teachers ran away,” she says.
“My relatives and I ran to this place. When we came here, I was told to go to school, but I could not see any school because there were only trees, I had nothing to write on. We used to write on the ground and study under the trees.
“Now with the classroom it feels safe and it looks like a school. The problem is the classrooms are few and we have to learn in shifts. I wish we had more classes,” she adds.
Beatrice’s school is one of four constructed by Plan in Awerial County, which along with child friendly spaces, have benefitted 5,000 children.
Meanwhile, with the World Food Programme, Plan has provided food rations to 51,000 children in more than 50 schools in Eastern Equatoria and Lakes State.
Plan is supporting the campaign Education Cannot Wait, aimed at raising awareness and encouraging donor agencies to dedicate more funds for the issue in South Sudan.
For more information on Plan’s work or to make a donation call 0800 526 848 or visit www.plan-uk.org
