The Republic of South Sudan became the world’s 195th country in July 2011 after gaining independence from Sudan. Two decades of civil war and one of the most devastating humanitarian crises in history resulted in 2.5 million lives lost, nearly 6 million displaced, and severe economic upheaval between 1983 and 2005. While South Sudan was already one of the least developed countries in the world, many buildings and infrastructure were destroyed during the war, leaving citizens to rebuild education, agriculture, community, and economic systems.

With the civil war devastating the young country, the feeble education system was decimated. Despite much progress since 2005, education in South Sudan still faces many challenges. According to UNICEF, more than 2 million school-aged children (over 70%) are not in school. The largest out-of-school group is girls, who are hindered by poverty and child marriage. 

In addition to these many challenges, South Sudan has recently faced a new civil conflict that began in December 2013. Violence spread across the country once again, limiting access to basic services, and leaving more than 3.6 million South Sudanese displaced. Food shortages, disease, and violence left an estimated 300,000 killed as a result of ethnic clashes. 

In early 2020, the Government of South Sudan (GoSS) signed a peace agreement to end the war and violence, bringing hope to the young country. Those affected by the conflict are struggling to survive after years of prolonged violence that has destroyed livelihoods, forced people from their homes, disrupted agriculture and eliminated critical resources, life savings and livestock. But, despite the great challenges, the people of South Sudan are committed to better education for their children and a brighter future for their country.

To learn more about South Sudan: https://www.usaid.gov/south-sudan