After the signing of the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of Conflict in South Sudan in 2018, many parts of the country saw a decrease in conflict incidents. Ms. Awut further revealed that the reopening of schools came after the Girls Education South Sudan (GESS), an education program, and the Global Partnership for Education, a partnership and funding platform that aims to strengthen education systems in developing countries, provided funds to enable distribution of water sanitation and hygiene supplies, thermometers, reusable masks and menstrual hygiene management kits. The reopening will happen in phases. Yes, children are at risk of infection, and yes, that is terrifying for parents. Because education cannot wait. It was also attended by the Undersecretary in the Ministry of Defense, the Deputy Inspector General of Police, students and representatives of the UN agencies, among others. The Vice President further encouraged stakeholders to embark on awareness and action campaigns to promote the protection of schools and other learning institutions in South Sudan. "To ensure what is in the book is understood and put into practice for the sake of our children, dedicated individuals must be tasked to disseminate the guidelines [and] communities need to be included in the safe school campaigns because, during floods, schools are often occupied by the affected communities," she stressed. Phase 2 includes all schools and grades and will coincide with the start of the academic year in February 2021. "I am happy that schools are going to reopen. UNICEF is committed to working with the ministry of education to ensure learning continues in the country. # Together For A Bright Future. 165. These include violence, exploitation and abuse (and) recruitment by armed groups, still going on, psychosocial distress and family separation. Lifelong learning is key to overcoming global challenges and to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. For Daniel, Wendy and other candidates sitting their final exams in early 2021, education resumed last year in October 2020. The government . On the other hand, there is overwhelming evidence on the negative impact of school closures on childrens physical and mental health, nutrition, safety and learning. Before the pandemic, 2.8 million children were out of school due to poverty, inequalities, cultural beliefs and nomadic lifestyles. 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Both Wendy and Daniel made it through the lessons and were part of the scenes of joy and relief after the last exam was done. With 2.2 million children not in school, South Sudan has one of the largest out-of-school figures worldwide. Several UN agencies, Embassies as well as education actors were represented at the . However, catching up on seven months of lost education and preparing for the biggest exam of our lives was stressful. Describing the "joy" felt by children and aid workers as classrooms reopened on Monday after more than 14 months of COVID . John is one of the beneficiaries of school materials handed In fact, there is no known evidence on the correlation between the rate of disease transmission and whether or not schools remain open or closed. We are seeing most sectors gradually reopen, except the education sector. This should lead to a robust plan for ensuring all children receive a quality education, Rama Hansraj underscored. WFP Eastern Africa - 2022 Regional Achievements & Outlook, UNICEF South Sudan Appeal, 2023 Revision 1 (April 2023), WFP South Sudan Situation Report #310, 28 February 2023, Culture, Context and Mental Health and Psychosocial Well-Being of Refugees and Internally Displaced Persons from South Sudan. The guidelines to be followed will be issued by the concerned ministries.. Lawrence Mathew (15), a senior three student says also he has been struggling; "We have been out of school and idle at home for over a year, sometimes we revise our past lessons, but we are losing hope that our classes will reopen.". Scientific evidence shows children are not super spreaders of COVID-19 and are the least affected by it in the region, with a mere 2.5 per cent of COVID-19 cases among children of school going age (5-18 years, WHO). Tuesday, September 29, 2020 (PW) In late February and earlier March 2020, all the government institutions including schools and offices were totally closed down in all the continents of the world due to the deadly COVID 19 pandemics. Students and pupils learn different things in contrast to what is taught in schools as they are not keen to revise their books; only the reopening of schools can make everything better, and the learning process will resume smoothly.. [Photo: Radio Tamazuj, South Sudan launches school reopening across the country. Phase 1 includes the candidate classes, Primary 8 and Senior 4, and will start the first week of October 2020. "I am happy that right now, we can study again. South Sudan had the first conference on Safe School Declaration (co-convenience meeting). 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However, catching up on seven months of lost education and preparingfor the biggest exam of our liveswas stressful. By Deng Machol Juba - On Thursday, the Government of Norway has provided NOK 90 million [$10 million] to support a safe return to school for children in restive South Sudan. Now, its time for Lawrence and the rest of the children to return to school. Their mental health deteriorates. UNICEF successfully advocated for the reopening of schools after 14 months of closure due to COVID-19 measures, and supported schools to resume functioning. On April 21, 2021, Save the Children in collaboration with national partner CEF lobbied the Ministry of Defense and Veteran Affairs to express political commitment to advance the principles of safe school declaration by unconditionally prohibiting the military from occupying schools, "There is a need to domesticate the Safe School Declaration," Rama said. Essential health services are provided in former UN Protection of Civilian sites, host communities as well as remote and hard-to-reach locations serviced by the IOMs mobile rapid response teams. We appeal to the communities and the families to have confidence and send their children back to school once it has re-opened. UNICEF is working with the Ministry of General Education and Instruction to prepare schools for the reopening and we are excited to note that this year will be the first with the new South Sudan curriculum. 12 African cities vying for the most culturally vibrant on the continent. "I am looking forward to resuming lessons and going to school again," says 17-year-old John Gatluak who is enrolled in Eden Secondary School in Bentiu, South Sudan. Public access to information is a key component of UNESCO's commitment to transparency and its accountability. The South Sudan government in partnership with GESS will pay capitation grants, in addition to cash transfers, to girls at levels from primary five (5) to senior fouer (4), Minister disclosed. On September 1, 2021, the Minister of Defense and Veterans Affairs, Angelina Teny - in response to the letter written to her by Save the Children and CEF - ordered all military personnel and other armed groups to peacefully vacate all schools and other learning institutions currently under occupation to allow safe learning environment for children. Mobilizing community and advocating for enrolling more girls. Prolonged school closures are likely to cause students to regress academically. (END). UNICEF has been one of many strong advocates for the reopening of schools. Hence, the urgency to consider the reopening of schools in South Sudan. As schools have now resumed, it is important to monitor how many children effectively returned to the education facilities. ", This was the message delivered to the government and armed groups by school children during the official launch of the 'Safe School Declaration' guideline in Juba on Monday 25, 2021. With the academic year cut just six weeks in, many students were worried they would never be able to sit their final exams and finish their education. The Safe School Declaration has been developed in the form of Schools as "Zones of Peace." Furthermore, South Sudan Ministry of Education policy framework has been developed and is now before the cabinet for approval. UNICEF has committed funds and support to the education ministry to distribute equipment allowing schools to adhere to the Covid-19 preventive measures. I am excited to hear schools will reopen and soon we shall get to reunite with friends and teachers to learn more," Lawrence said. In 2005, the Security Council established a Monitoring and Reporting Mechanism (MRM) to systematically monitor, document and report on violations committed against children in situations of concern around the world. The Honourable Minister of General Education and Instruction, Awut Deng Acuil . Discover UNESCO's impact around the world and the organisation's endeavour to build durable peace. Juba School has reopened in East Africas youngest nation after closure for more than one year, despite the third surge of COVID-19 pandemic. For girls, especially those who are displaced or living in poor households, the risks are even higher. The Safe Schools Declaration is, therefore, an inter-governmental political commitment that provides countries the opportunity to express support for protecting students, teachers, schools, and universities from attack during times of armed conflict; the importance of the continuation of education during armed conflict; and the implementation of concrete measures to deter the military use of schools, The Ministry of General Education and Instruction, and Charity and Empowerment Foundation (CEF), with support from Save the Children International developed the guidelines to facilitate the dissemination of the guidelines of the Declaration incorporated into the South Sudan People Defense Forces (SSPDF) code of conduct. 22 September 2020. South Sudan, the UN's youngest Member State, is marking its tenth anniversary of independence amid languishing political progress and a range of humanitarian challenges, the Secretary-General's Special Representative told Security Council members on Monday. I work for a government agency The government says they want to ensure learning continues across the country despite the Covid-19 pandemic. SOUTH SUDAN Consolidated Emergency Report 2021 March 2022 A family in Bentiu, Unity State, transports their belongings after severe flooding made road travel impossible . COVID-19 is still with us but we have decided to reopen schools and will strictly follow COVID-19 preventative measures in the schools, Akol told journalists in Juba during the official reopening for learners. Sadly, on these fronts, the evidence is overwhelming. Usually, we look forward to the holidays, but suddenly our holiday became so long," Wendy said. Ms. Awut further revealed that the reopening of schools came after the Girls' Education South Sudan (GESS), an education program, and the Global Partnership for Education, a partnership and funding platform that aims to strengthen education systems in developing countries, provided funds to enable distribution of water sanitation and hygiene . The government has previously faced criticism for relaxing restrictions despite still registering increases in COVID-19 cases. Wendy, a 16-year-old student who completed the recent Senior 4 exams in Juba. Beijing ICP prepared NO.16065310-3. Students tried to keep learning at home, but Wendy Ahonda (16) explains it was no easy feat. He also acknowledged the importance of monitoring and reporting grave violations against children in armed conflicts as per the UN Security Council resolution. Fifty-eightwomen and children of more than 600 who were abducted last year during vicious intercommunal fighting in South Sudan, have been reunited with their families, the UN Spokesperson told reporters on Monday. UNICEF and UNESCO will work with the Ministry of General Education and Instruction to ensure that the return of the children of South Sudan to school can happen in the best circumstances, reducing as much as possible the risk of infections and ensuring that children no longer lose time. Salaam Bright Academy is one of the schools under Salaam Schools South Sudan. Launch of the project "Boosting digital competencies of teachers in Chile". But the countrywide reopening of schools in May 2021 is an opportunity to secure the future of children in South Sudan. The Minister of General Education and Instruction (MoGEI) has just announced that all schools in South Sudan will reopen on 3 May 2021. KEMPTON PARK - The last batch of South Africans who were stuck in war-ton Sudan have safely landed. Copyright 2023 United Nations in South Sudan, Caption: Bell ringing ceremony to mark the reopening of schools after 14 months closure due to COVID-19. We know that children are the least directly affected by Covid-19, are less prone to fall ill from it and are much less likely to spread the disease. Photo Credit: WFP Join us and leave your mark ! In the face of this unprecedented public health crisis, it is true that families, communities and governments are averse to making any call that might bring harm to children. The handover was also officiated by Minister Awut Deng and Save the Children's Country Director, Rama Hansraj. For Daniel, Wendy and other candidates sitting their final exams in early 2021, education resumed last year in October 2020. Furthermore, South Sudan Ministry of Education policy framework has been developed and is now before the cabinet for approval. The funds will ensure as many children as possible are returning to school in the 2020-2021 academic year. "Overstaying at home is embarrassing us and erasing away the knowledge we acquired from our teachers. Schools finally reopened their doors after more than 14 months of closures because of COVID-19. Schools reopening date set to be decided today. protection of civilian (PoC) and ad hoc IDP sites (South Sudan Education Cluster, n.d.), while also working to reopen schools in areas where the security situation had stabilized. And yet increasingly, evidence points to harm being done to children by not being in school. Seeing children at home idle is having a profound negative effect on children, especially girls that are being married off at a tender age," says Nathalina Samuel, a mother of seven children. Some of the previous easing of restrictions included reduction of the curfew period, resumption of regional flights and the reopening of markets, shops and bars. Also, nothing can replace face-to-face interaction with teachers or peers. With the closure of schools, from one day to another, the number of out of school children in South Sudan had almost doubled. When children are out of school for prolonged periods of time, their exposure to physical, emotional and sexual violence increases. As the COVID-19 pandemic is not yet over, the re-opening of schools is a difficult topic to consider. Q&A: How are African countries improving the quality of their education? At school, students learn social and emotional skills and it's a safe place for the most vulnerable. OCHA coordinates the global emergency response to save lives and protect people in humanitarian crises. The Minister of General Education and Instructions, Awut Deng Achuil reaffirmed her commitment to protecting schools and protecting children. Parents are also thrilled to see their children returning to school. War in Sudan | Evacuees back on South African soil. In March 2020, all education facilities There is increasing evidence that children and schools are not the main drivers of the epidemic across countries. However, candidate classes were allowed to sit their national examinations. Monday 3 May was a special day for millions of children in South Sudan. When schools close, their lifeline to these services is taken away. UNICEF has been one of many strong advocates for the reopening of schools. This comes on top of the 2.2 million children out of school before the pandemic hit South Sudan. An additional . Monday 3 May was a special day for millions of children in South Sudan. Why Would A Black Family Get An Aquarium Membership? Fewer that one in 10 children has access to child protection services, the veteran UNICEF worker said, noting that between January and March this year, the agency scaled up treatment to more than 50,000 children who were suffering from severe acute malnutrition. "Overstaying at home is embarrassing us and erasing away the . An Indonesian citizen evacuated from Sudan sits in a bus after she arrives at the Soekarno-Hatta Airport in Tangerang, on the outskirts of Jakarta, Indonesia, April 28, 2023. On 20 March 2020, all schools in South Sudan were closed and almost 2 million children were forced out of classes due to COVID-19 preventive measures. "I am happy that right now, we can study again. Learn about employment opportunities across the UN in South Sudan. As part of its investment in civil society advocacy and social accountability efforts, GPEs Education Out Loud fund is supporting the South Sudan National Education Coalition for the 2019-2021 period. There are 400,000 children out of school due to chronic insecurity and displacement, while another 13,000 are absorbed in the country's . I work for a private sector company In the lower secondary level, it is reported that 60% of children are denied access to education which accounts for the second-highest rate in the World. All rights reserved. The Safe School Declaration has been developed in the form of Schools as "Zones of Peace.". We must mobilize to ensure no one is left behind, said Jacqueline Weekers, Director of Migration Health for IOM. Daniel Athien wrote his senior 4 exams during the pandemic and is excited to join the university. The whole school erupted into hugging, cheering, and overalljoy, knowing that they can join the university and get their degrees. The Declaration is expected to also protect students, teachers, schools, and other learning institutions from some of the worst effects of armed conflicts. We provide you with the latest news and videos straight from the entertainment industry. Usually, we look forward to the holidays, but suddenly our holiday became so long," Wendy said. We are reopening today and we are reopening because we have children at home. To better monitor, prevent, and end these attacks, the United Nations Security Council has identified and condemnedsix grave violations against children in times of war: Killing and maiming of children; recruitment or use of children in armed forces and armed groups; attacks on schools or hospitals; rape or other grave sexual violence; abduction of children; and denial of humanitarian access for children. Pan-African Forum for the Culture of Peace. Unfortunately, some of them were going through many difficulties and challenges, as we all know. Students, teachers and parents look ahead as senior 4 exams finish. It was good enough for us to finish," Daniel Athien (17), a senior 4 student, joyfully expressed after putting down his pencil. For almost 75 years,the UNESCO Courierhas served as a platform for international debates on issues that concern the entire planet. Share. How fast are countries transforming their education? The pandemic has left the most vulnerable and marginalized even further off track when it comes to access to quality education. JUBA, SOUTH SUDAN 22 SEPTEMBER 2020 - UNICEF and UNESCO welcome the decision of the Government to start reopening of schools in South Sudan. Since the beginning of the conflict to date, 293 incidents of attacks on schools or protected persons or of military use of schools were reported across the country. Find out what the UN in South Sudan is doing towards the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals. Since the Russia-Ukraine conflict broke out, western media have been demanding in their reports that "Africa should be silent no more." But capacity building efforts of the government have been interrupted by conflict. Save the Children, partners and the Minister of Defense and Veteran Affairs express commitment to keep schools safe and urged all parties to the armed conflict to refrain from actions that impede childrens access to education. "COVID-19 is still with us but we have decided to reopen schools . The countrywide reopening of schools in South Sudan is a welcome step on the road to "normalcy" for youngsters, two in three of whom need humanitarian assistance, the UN Children's Fund ( UNICEF) said on Tuesday. I am excited to hear schools will reopen and soon we shall get to reunite with friends and teachers to learn more," Lawrence said. The long-term impact of extending the school lockdown risks ever greater harm to children, their future and their communities. The program is complementary to South Sudans US$7 million COVID-19 grant. Schools are places for children to be safe and to be protected and also to access basic services, school feeding and so on.. As we move ahead it is important to remember how the closure of schools has severely impacted on the well being of children and on the country, and to avoid any new school closures in the future. This is our responsibility as parents to ensure that our children are encouraged and supported to go back to school, the minister stressed. The Sisters of Loreto already have Loreto Rumbek, which comprises a primary school, a secondary school and a primary health care unit. "To save education, we need to stop the violence, allocate enough budget for education, provide free learning materials, expand adult education and allow all children to complete at least free primary and secondary education. Numerous reports speak about child marriages and early pregnancies due to girls being out of school and increased gender-based violence. All schools have been closed since March 2020 due to COVID-19, keeping 2 million children out of school. These include handwashing, stations, WASH supplies, thermometers, reusable masks, and menstrual hygiene management kits. This builds on 11 years of Civil Society Education Fund (CSEF) support to national education coalitions for their engagement in education sector policy dialogue. In South Sudan, schools provide more than just academics. My plan for the exam is to study as much as possible, keep on reading every day and hope that I am ready for the examination, said Daniel, days after returning to school. I know you want what is best for your children, and right now that is sending them back to school. Meanwhile, Ms. Awut Deng Acuil, Minister of General Education and Instruction urged parents and guardians to enroll their children, including pregnant, disability and breast feeding girls. The event was graced by the Vice President in charge of Service Cluster, Abdelbagi Ayii and the Minister of General Education and Instruction, Awut Deng. School reopened on Monday in South Sudan after closure for more than one year due to the Coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19). "Overstaying at home is embarrassing us and erasing away the knowledge we acquired from our teachers. During a validation workshop of the Safe Declaration guidelines, representatives of armed forces and civilians were identified to be occupants of the schools in South Sudan. In a UNICEF letter-writing workshop, out-of-school students poured out their hearts to their instructors. Since most of those occupying the schools are armed forces, the Ministry of Defense as a key stakeholder was encouraged to commit themselves to the document. Verified 5 days ago. Questionnaire - SSEC School Level assessment. In conclusion, Save the Childrens Country Director called for an increase in funding for peace education and the implementation of the Safe School Declaration guidelines., Written by Daniel Danis/Save the Children, United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs. She outlined activities that would curtail the disruption of learning during times of armed conflicts such as "risk-mapping, risk-reduction plans, the formation and training of childrens clubs, community outreach, and legal reviews.". The children are the future of the country. South Sudan said on Tuesday that a partial reopening of learning institutions will commence in October amid declining COVID-19 positive cases. Famine isalready onthe doorstepof millions of families in 20 countries, twoUNagencies warned on Tuesday in a reportthat callsfor urgent action to avertrising hunger due to factors such asconflict, climate extremes and the COVID-19 pandemic. The remote learning programme remained a temporary solution and the need for the reopening of schools became imminent. @HamidaLasseko pic.twitter.com/owyBrZxKVd, Especially in a country like South Sudan, where were also faced with humanitarian emergencies in many parts of the country, he explained. Radio classes allowed thousands of children in South Sudan to keep learning, but many more have no access to distant learning. Multiple observers said schools re-opening would reduce risky pregnancy and early marriages among school girls. As children in South Sudan await the re-opening of schools, WFP is mitigating against the impact of the pandemic on children's health and nutrition by providing take-home rations for 23,000 children in the most food-insecure counties. I appreciate the day today that they have opened our school and we are really happy. At school, students learn social and emotional skills and it'sa safe place for the most vulnerable. Meanwhile, the Executive Director of CEF, Chol Gai appreciated the Ministry of Defense, Interior and partners for committing to the document. UNICEF promotes the rights and wellbeing of every child, in everything we do. The last seven months have been a huge blow for learning but also for protecting children from abuse and exploitation; therefore, we are really pleased with the Governments decision to reopen schools. In her remarks, Save the Children's Country Director, Rama Hansraj said there is a need for strong participation of the government to enforce the document. Newspaper is your news, entertainment, music & fashion website. Schools. Now, its time for Lawrence and the rest of the children to return to school. With the closure of schools, from one day to another, the number of out of school children in South Sudan had almost doubled. At the time, Ministry of Health spokesman Dr. Thuoi Loi said it was unclear when the virus will be under control and children can safely return to school. Come June, primary healthcare services may no longer be available for women and children, the elderly and those living with disabilities. Schools in South Sudan are set to reopen nearly seven months after they were closed as part of the government's measures to contain the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic. Established in 2002, the GEM Report is an editorially independent report, hosted and published by UNESCO. Several UN agencies, Embassies as well as education actors were represented at the event. Noel Kana is one of them, "I am happy to hear that schools will reopen because being idle is not suitable for learners. He also commended Save the Children for working with local organizations to ensure hardest reached locations are accessed. Moreover, girls have been hit the hardest. And evidence has proven that the longer schoolchildren are out of school, the less likely they are to return. Students tried to keep learning at home,but Wendy Ahonda (16)explains it was no easy feat. Pupils attend a class at Spire Road Primary School in Jinja on March 1. The basics of the sector administration and management are rudimentary, which started to develop, along with the rest of the civil service in the country, only after the 2005 Peace Agreement.
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