South Sudan continues to experience one of the world’s most serious education crises. Years of
conflict, displacement, economic hardship, and flooding have deeply affected families and
denied millions of children their right to learn. In communities such as Kodok in the Diocese of
Malakal, most households depend on fishing, livestock rearing, or subsistence farming.
However, persistent poverty and limited public services make accessing education extremely
challenging.
More than 2.2 million children in South Sudan are out of school, one of the highest numbers
globally. An estimated 72% of children aged 6–18 are not enrolled, while the national literacy
rate stands at only 34.5%. Girls face the greatest barriers—over 75% of primary-school-aged
girls are not in school, due to early marriage, household responsibilities, insecurity, long travel
distances, and the absence of safe educational facilities. Many out-of-school children,
particularly girls, are at high risk of exploitation, abuse, and lifelong poverty.
DMI’s Mission in South Sudan
The Daughters of Mary Immaculate (DMI) began their mission in South Sudan in 2012 with a
strong commitment to serving communities affected by conflict and displacement. Over the
years, DMI has implemented:
- Humanitarian relief and emergency assistance
- Food security and livelihood programs
- Skill development for unemployed and vulnerable youth
- Formal and non-formal education for children and adolescents
DMI’s continued presence has renewed hope among returning families who now see education
as the path to rebuilding their future.
Our Approach to Quality Education
DMI has developed strong expertise in improving access to education in South Sudan. Our
educational approach focuses on:
- Inclusive learning for all children
- Professional development and training for teachers
- Foundational literacy and numeracy skills
- Life skills and values-based education
- Child protection and safeguarding
- Strong community and parental involvement
We support children with safe classrooms and separate sanitation facilities to ensure dignity,
security, and regular attendance.
Through quality education, DMI strives to:
- Break the cycle of poverty
- Prevent early marriage, exploitation, and child labor
- Equip young people with knowledge, confidence, and leadership skills
- Contribute to long-term peace and development in South Sudan
Education System in South Sudan
The national education system is managed by the Ministry of General Education and Instruction
and follows a structured pathway:
- 8 years of primary education
- 4 years of secondary education
- Higher education and vocational pathways thereafter
English is the main language of instruction, supported by a national curriculum. South Sudan
also offers:
- Early Childhood Education
- Alternative Learning Programs, such as Accelerated Learning and Community Girls’
Schools
These programs are designed to help children who have missed schooling due to conflict,
displacement, or other challenges.
At St. Joseph Global School
At St. Joseph Global School, we are committed to providing safe, inclusive, and child-centered
education. Despite the challenges surrounding children in South Sudan, we provide a nurturing
environment where every learner can:
- Feel safe, valued, and respected
- Gain academic competence and essential life skills
- Grow creatively, socially, and emotionally
- Discover their own talents and gifts
- Become responsible and confident young leaders
Together, we are building a brighter future, one child, one classroom, and one community at a
time.
What We Offer
- Social and emotional development
- Early language and vocabulary building
- Early numeracy (counting, shapes, colors)
- Fine motor skills (painting, drawing, crafts)
- Gross motor skills (movement, coordination games)
- Creative expression (songs, storytelling, imaginative play)
- Learning hygiene and classroom routines
- Early literacy (letters, sounds, simple reading)
- Numeracy (number recognition, basic addition and subtraction)
- Introduction to science and nature
- Social skills and cooperation
- Creative learning through art and music
- Classroom confidence and self-care skills
- English language and literacy
- Mathematics (operations, problem-solving)
- Science (basic concepts in biology, physics, and chemistry)
- Social studies and history
- ICT and computer awareness
- Arts, music, and physical education
- Life skills and values-based learning
- Advanced English and literature
- Mathematics (algebra, geometry, statistics)
- Science (biology, chemistry, physics)
- Social studies, civics, and geography
- ICT and digital literacy
- Arts, sports, and extracurricular activities
- Leadership development, career guidance, and critical thinking