Funding Agreement Signed
Juba’s Ministry of General Education and Instruction has sealed a three-year memorandum of understanding with the World Food Programme, unlocking more than US$1.6 million for classrooms and canteens nationwide.
Bridging Education Gaps
Under-Secretary Kachuol Mabil Piok acknowledged on state television that economic headwinds have strained the education budget, warning that unskilled youth could slow national development.
He urged partners to translate signatures into action, stressing that timely disbursement and transparent management will determine the pact’s impact.
Homegrown Meals Strategy
WFP Country Director Mary Ellen McGrette said the grant stems from the Global Programme for Education and will prioritise locally sourced ingredients to stimulate community farming.
“Investing in school meals is investing in human capital that can propel South Sudan’s prosperity,” she remarked, framing the initiative as a first step toward national ownership.
Path Toward Sustainability
The partnership aims to reach thousands of learners over the next three years, complementing government efforts to raise enrolment and retention, especially among rural and displaced children.
Observers note that predictable meals often reduce dropout rates and improve concentration, giving the agreement outsized importance in a country where food insecurity remains pervasive.