As classes reopen, three schools and one orphanage in Juba receive learning and sports materials

Thousands of children in South Sudan are excited as schools reopen in April 2021. When the COVID-19 pandemic was declared, the schools were closed as part of the country’s preventive measures. This broke the hearts of schoolchildren, but hope is high as they prepare to go back.

In partnership with the Central Equatoria State Ministry of Education, World Vision and the World Food Programme (WFP) through the Juba Urban Project, implement the school feeding program in 42 schools benefitting from the project. One of them is where Rose Juan studies.

World Vision, through its Gift-In-Kind (GIK) program donated 120 school desks, 16 soccer balls and five football pumps, 29 cartons of stick notes, 18 cartons of notebooks, and 350 cartons of demonstration materials in February 2021 in Tokiman Primary School time for the school opening in April.

Mathedio Gubek, head teacher of Tokiman Primary School received some of the donations. Gubek says, “We are thankful for these materials that will make learning easy for the children. These will not only motivate them to learn but will also contribute a lot to their future.”

“I used to share a desk with three other pupils but not anymore. With the new desks, we do not have to squeeze ourselves anymore but we can sit and learn comfortably”, shares Rose Juan, a 14-year old primary four pupil born in Juba County.

It is not enough to love people with words but more effectively in action which speaks louder than words. I appreciate these valuable gift from World Vision as schools are about to reopen.

She adds, “In my community, not everyone goes to school. They are interested but the environment is not welcoming.” Rose said that when a teacher is not in class, they either go home or play outside to avoid fights over sitting space.

“The books will enhance our knowledge and understanding as the sports materials will be good for physical exercise during our break time. I can become the best version of myself using the learning materials”, she happily shares. Rose dreams to become a pilot someday.

Philomena John, the Director of School Feeding Program in the Ministry of Education, Central Equatoria State says, “It is not enough to love people with words but more effectively in action which speaks louder than words. I appreciate these valuable and timely gift from World Vision as schools are about to reopen.”

Other schools and the Juba Orphanage received 227 desks, 887 textbooks and other school materials. Dada Silvano, World Vision’s NFI/GIK Coordinator says, “The GIK program complements the school feeding activities as it provides materials aimed at helping children learn conveniently.”

Story and photos by Jemima Tumalu, Communications Officer