Yesterday, February 8th, 2025, marked a historic milestone for the community of Awerial County, Lakes State, as the HelpEducation South Sudan (HESS) team, led by our Executive Director, Ms. Achol Aguek Biar, officially handed over the newly constructed Kon Anok Secondary School and Awerial Complex Primary School to the Ministry of General Education and Instruction (MOGEI) of the Republic of South Sudan.
The handover ceremony was graced by the presence of the Honorable Minister of General Education and Instruction, Ms. Awut Deng Acuil, the Honorable Undersecretary, Dr. Kuyok, and the Governor of Lakes State, Hon. Ring Tueny. Their presence underscored the significance of this achievement and the collective commitment to improving education in South Sudan.
Awerial County, home to 30 primary schools, has long faced challenges in providing quality education, particularly at the secondary level. Kon Anok Secondary School, the only secondary school in the area, previously operated in three inadequate iron-sheet classrooms. These conditions contributed to high dropout rates, especially among girls, and limited opportunities for students to pursue their dreams.
Thanks to funding from the Global Partnership for Education (GPE) and implemented by HESS in partnership with Save the Children South Sudan, this project has transformed the educational landscape in Awerial County.
The handover ceremony was not just a formal event but a celebration of the community’s resilience and determination to prioritize education. For the people of Awerial County, these schools represent a place where dreams can be nurtured, and futures can be built.
During her remarks, Honorable Minister Awut Deng Acuil expressed her gratitude to HESS, GPE, and Save the Children for their unwavering support. She emphasized the importance of education as a cornerstone for national development and urged the community to take ownership of the schools to ensure their sustainability.
Governor Ring Tueny echoed these sentiments, highlighting the transformative impact of the project on the lives of children in Lakes State. He commended HESS for its dedication to improving education in South Sudan and called for continued collaboration to address the challenges facing the sector.
On behalf of HESS, Executive Director Ms. Achol Aguek Biar expressed her heartfelt gratitude to MOGEI, GPE, and Save the Children for their partnership and support. She reiterated HESS’s commitment to working with the government and other stakeholders to ensure that every child in South Sudan has access to quality education.
This project is a testament to what can be achieved when communities, governments, and organizations come together with a shared vision. As we celebrate this milestone, we remain steadfast in our mission to empower the next generation through education.
The handover of Kon Anok Secondary School and Awerial Complex Primary School is more than just the completion of a project; it is the beginning of a new chapter for the children of Awerial County. With improved facilities and a renewed sense of hope, these schools will serve as beacons of learning and opportunity for years to come.
We invite you to join us in celebrating this achievement and to continue supporting our efforts to transform education in South Sudan. Together, we can build a brighter future for all.
