At HelpEducation South Sudan, we believe that every child deserves not just access to education, but a learning environment that is safe, inclusive, and resilient — even in the face of climate change. This commitment was reaffirmed as our Executive Director took part in the official launch of the Building the Climate Resilience of Children and Communities through the Education Sector (BRACE) Pilot Project, held under the leadership of H.E. Josephine Lagu Yanga, Vice President of the Republic of South Sudan and Chairperson of the Service Cluster.
The event, organized in partnership with the Ministry of General Education and Instruction (MoGEI) and Save the Children, brought together government officials, development partners, and education advocates to mark a milestone in South Sudan’s journey toward climate-resilient learning.
A Promise to the Children of South Sudan
Funded by the Green Climate Fund (GCF) and the Global Partnership for Education (GPE) under the GPE Transformation Program, the BRACE Project represents a $17 million investment in the future of South Sudanese children. The initiative will reach over 200,000 learners — half of them girls — by transforming how schools are built, managed, and sustained in the face of a changing climate.
Speaking at the launch, H.E. Josephine Lagu Yanga described the project as “a promise to the children of South Sudan.” She emphasized that resilience and education must go hand in hand, stating, “We are not only launching the BRACE Project — we are renewing our promise to every child. As our communities face displacement and our schools struggle, our young girls often bear the greatest burden. We must protect them as a government and as parents.”
Investing in Stability and Opportunity
The BRACE Project will focus on three main pillars:
- Climate-smart school infrastructure — including solar energy, water harvesting systems, and improved ventilation to withstand floods, droughts, and heatwaves.
- Policy reform and education planning — to ensure climate adaptation becomes a core part of the education system.
- Capacity building — empowering teachers, school leaders, and communities to sustain learning in times of crisis.
Hon. Dr. Kuyok Abol Kuyok, Minister of General Education and Instruction, expressed gratitude to the funding partners, highlighting that their contribution goes far beyond financial aid. “Your co-funding is an investment in stability, opportunity, and breaking the cycle of climate-induced vulnerability,” he said. “We pledge to turn this promise into reality.”
HelpEducation South Sudan’s Commitment
As an organization dedicated to advancing safe, equitable, inclusive and quality education across South Sudan, HelpEducation South Sudan is proud to support this vital initiative. The BRACE Project aligns closely with our mission to build learning environments that empower children — especially girls and persons with disabilities — to thrive despite social, economic, or environmental challenges.
We stand alongside the Government of South Sudan, Save the Children, UNICEF UNESCO, and our development partners in ensuring that education remains a source of hope, resilience, and transformation for every child.
Because when children learn, communities rise. And when schools are resilient, the future becomes brighter for all.
