In 2023, an estimated 2.8 million children were out of school in South Sudan disadvantaged by poverty and displacement.

War in Sudan and localised violence means the lives and futures of children are in jeopardy, but YOU have helped change that by supporting communities working to build a brighter world for their children.

Education is key to development but in the places in which we work, the importance of teachers is often ignored and their significance overlooked. Sadly, the importance of education is not prioritised by governments and due to inconsistent and unpredictable inflation, salaries continue to be unstable, and teachers often go without pay, especially in rural areas where education needs are the most urgent.

More than 80% of teachers are volunteers who are not on Government payroll (UNICEF 2023) and teachers, often women, are forced out of the profession due to poor wages and safety concerns. If South Sudan is to grow and prosper than the education of its people is paramount as is access to skills and vocational trainings that will shape the country’s young people and build hope.

Girls, especially, face additional barriers to education. Traditional practices and customary laws objectify girls, and they are often forbidden from attending school or forced into marriages jeopardising their studies and futures.

Developing empathetic and competent teachers who understand the prejudices marginalised members of their community faces is crucial to effective and impactful education.

Teachers attending training sessions at MTC.

The Mazzolari Teacher Training College (MTC) in Cuiebet, South Sudan was founded in 2014. It continues to be a beacon of hope in the region and stood defiantly open throughout years of conflict standing steadfast for peace and learning.

Insecurity and violence meant widespread disruption to schooling as war forced mass displacement and destroyed community infrastructure. But in times of relative peace, many are seeking to rebuild communities and to think to the future – especially the youth of South Sudan.

Teachers are much more than educators; they’re community workers & champions of gender equality.

At the Mazzolari Teacher training college – we are supporting students to become qualified and supportive educators not only addressing the huge teacher shortages across the country but creating safe and supportive spaces for skills and learning.

Your support has major impact:

• This year alone, 117 in-service teachers were trained developing skills in pedagogy & classroom management.
• The in-service training programme reached 3 villages and this outreach is growing.
• 35 pre-service teachers trained were hand-selected by the Ministry of Education.
• Students are equipped with ICT skills at MTC.
• Former students from our other Jesuit schools in South Sudan are entering further education, continuing training and teaching in their former schools.

You can learn more about the challenges for equal education by listening to David, a teacher-trainer, who is guiding and upskilling developing teachers to bring about positive change now and in the future!

To continue to support teachers and girls’ education in marginalised communities.