Gender Parity in South Sudan Primary Schools
South Sudan has reached gender parity in primary education, with girls’ enrolment surpassing boys in three states, according to the Minister of General Education and Instruction. The minister presented the milestone as evidence of steady gains in access to schooling nationwide.
Central Equatoria, Western Equatoria, Northern Bahr el Ghazal
The minister identified Central Equatoria, Western Equatoria, and Northern Bahr el Ghazal as the states where girls now outnumber boys in primary schools. The statement frames the trend as a measurable shift in enrolment patterns in those parts of the country.
SSBC Interview Highlights Enrolment and Teacher Training
Speaking on the state-owned broadcaster SSBC on Tuesday, Jan. 6, Minister Kuyok Abol Kuyok said the sector has registered notable progress in both school enrolment and teacher training. He linked these developments to broader efforts to strengthen foundational education.
Over Two Million Children Enrolled Nationwide
Minister Kuyok Abol Kuyok said more than two million children are currently enrolled in schools across South Sudan. He described the figure as “a major achievement” for the education sector, signalling expansion in participation even as system-wide pressures remain.
Persistent Barriers for Girls Entering Secondary Education
Despite the reported gains at primary level, the minister acknowledged serious challenges in supporting girls to transition successfully to secondary education. “We continue to experience problems with girls transitioning to secondary education,” he said during the SSBC interview (SSBC).
Ministry Figures Point to Dropouts After Primary Completion
The ministry previously disclosed that about 8,000 girls who completed primary school in 2020 did not proceed through secondary education. They were expected to sit for the Certificate of Secondary Education examinations in 2024, but dropped out before the final level, according to the same disclosure.