South Sudan Context
Literacy rates in South Sudan average at 27.2% for the population aging 15 and above, and at 40.3% for the one 15-24 years old, with literacy in male population being more than double that of female (National Bureau of Statistics, 2012). South Sudan sees only 33% of girls enrolled in primary education, and less than 10% of the population completing primary school, making it one of the lowest completion rate worldwide (UNICEF, 2015).
Most youth in conflict-affected countries are out of school, and girls and ethnic minorities are the first to be excluded, which brings upon the issues of gender and social inequality. In South Sudan, most schools have been forced to suspend their activities due to the recent conflict (2013-2015), and in most areas only primary schools are present. Furthermore, girls miss 10 to 20% school days in a year, due to their menstrual period and lack of sanitary pads (World Bank, 2014).
The crucial role of education in peace-building processes has been increasingly recognized (UN, 2009). Providing equitable access to quality and relevant education (conflict-sensitive) is essential to promote peace and provide safe environments for the new generations to reconstruct and develop the country.
Main Aim and Objectives
LCED’s aim is to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities (Sustainable Development Goal No. 4).
In order to achieve such goal, the LCED initiatives in the operative area of “inclusive, equitable and quality education” have the following objectives:
LCED APPROACH
LCED is one of the implementing partners which ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities in Western Equatoria State, Central Equatoria State, and Lakes State, South Sudan.
- Supporting existing primary schools in South Sudan, by providing them material as well as training in capacity building for them to start income-generating activities which will ensure their self sufficiency in the long term.
- Supporting South Sudanese of ethnic minorities in their education, through sponsorship, especially out of the country for secondary and tertiary education, in order to promote equity.
- Provide life-long learning activities and vocational training for young adults who dropped out of school due to the conflict in South Sudan.
- Offer peace-building workshops and training to out-of school youths and to teacher representatives in different schools, in order to promote peace-building and cohesion in the country.
- Support extra-curriculum social and sport activities as a form of violence prevention.
- Promote female education and gender inclusiveness through specific sensitization campaigns at community level.
