A literate and empowered South Sudan.
A future where education, dignity and opportunity enable sustainable development.
Who we are
Education is where dignity, protection and possibility meet.
HESS works to meet urgent literacy and development needs through programmes shaped by local knowledge, community priorities and long-term partnership.
0189,980+
Lives reached
0250+
Schools supported
0310+
Years of service
0410+
Counties reached
Our purpose
One direction. Three clear commitments.
Our vision, mission and goal keep every programme focused on literacy, rights, dignity and sustainable opportunity.
Transform lives through rights-based action.
We combat illiteracy, inequality, poverty and protection concerns while promoting human rights and restoring human dignity.
Help people realise their potential.
We improve literacy and living conditions so vulnerable and marginalised people can contribute responsibly to their communities.
What we do
One mission. Connected areas of work.
We respond to the whole learner, the whole school and the wider community.
01→02→03→04→05→06→
Education
Safe learning spaces · Teacher development · Inclusive education · Alternative learning
Protection, Gender & Inclusion
Child protection · Gender equality · Referral pathways · Girls’ education
WASH in Education
Safe water · Inclusive latrines · Menstrual health · Hygiene promotion
Youth, Livelihoods & Nutrition
Skills · Livelihoods · Nutrition awareness · Youth pathways
Climate-Resilient Education
Resilient schools · Climate learning · Preparedness · Continuity
Peace, Research & Governance
Peacebuilding · Research · Leadership · Accountability
How we work
Change lasts when communities lead it.
Listen
We start with communities, learners, teachers and local authorities.
Co-design
We shape practical and inclusive solutions with the people they serve.
Deliver
Trusted teams and partnerships turn shared priorities into quality action.
Learn
Evidence, accountability and reflection strengthen lasting results.
Programme presence and past project footprints across South Sudan.
Our national footprint
National vision. Local presence.
HESS programme implementation and project footprint spans 16 locations across Equatoria, Bahr El Ghazal and Upper Nile.
EquatoriaJuba · Terekeka · Kajo-Keji · Yei
Bahr El GhazalAwerial · Yirol East · Yirol West · Rumbek North · Chuei-Bet · Tonj South · Gogrial West · Gogrial East · Twic · Aweil Centre · Wau
Upper NileBor
Our values
How we work matters as much as what we achieve.
Six commitments guide every relationship, decision and programme.
Professionalism
Quality, compassion and respect in every action.
Fairness & Equity
Equal opportunity for every person and community.
Integrity
Honesty, transparency and accountability.
Partnership
Collaboration grounded in shared purpose.
Respect for Rights
Dignity and human rights at the centre.
Collective Action
Working together for children and communities.
Women-led organisationOur leadership
Leadership grounded in service.
Ms. Achol Aguek Biar
Executive Director
Ms. Achol Aguek Biar provides strategic leadership to HESS, guiding the organisation’s work to expand inclusive education, advance rights and dignity, and strengthen resilient communities across South Sudan.
Under her leadership, HESS works with communities, government institutions, civil society, United Nations agencies and development partners to deliver locally led and sustainable solutions.
“Local knowledge and community trust are the foundation for change that lasts.”
Collaboration & memberships
Connected for greater impact.
01South Sudan NGO Forum
02Education Cluster
03National Education Coalition
04Education Localisation
05Child Protection Coordination
Education · Empowerment · Equity
Help create the next opportunity.
Support safe classrooms, trained teachers, learning materials, sanitation and inclusive education.