Education remains one of the most powerful tools for change, yet in South Sudan, many children—especially girls and children with disabilities—still struggle to access quality learning. The Accelerated Learning Programme (ALP) is designed to bridge this gap by giving out-of-school children and youth a second chance to complete their education cycle. Recently, as part of the Girls’ Education Accelerator Project implemented by HelpEducation South Sudan (HESS) through Save the Children with funding from the Global Partnership for Education (GPE) in support of Ministry of General Education and Instruction (MoGEI), A two-weeks intensive training was conducted for 20 ALP teachers in Nyang Town, Lakes State. The training aimed to equip facilitators/teachers with necessary pedagogical skills, subject knowledge, and approaches tools to deliver the ALP curriculum effectively and inclusively that would strengthen their ability to deliver quality education.
When we spoke with some of the participants after the training, their voices reflected both the progress made and the challenges that remain.
From Tin-agau ALP School Center in Yirol East County, Ms. Aluel Kuch Koch shared her excitement about what she had gained. “I have learnt about the ALP concept and Community Girls’ Schools (CGS). We were also trained on schemes of work and lesson planning,” she explained with enthusiasm. For her, the training was not simply about theory, but about what she could bring back to her students. “I am going to replicate the knowledge I have acquired with my learners so that they benefit directly from this training,” she added.
Aluel also pointed out that teaching effectively requires more than knowledge alone. “My message to HESS is to kindly assist our ALP Center with stationery, build classrooms, and provide us with teacher incentives so that we can continue our work effectively,” she said, voicing a need shared by many of her colleagues across the state.
At Malek ALP School Center in Yirol East County, Mr. Adeer Malual Garang described the training as “very comprehensive,” noting that it opened his eyes to new ways of teaching. “I have acquired sufficient knowledge and skills of how best adults learn, as well as concepts of education and its types. I also learnt record keeping, teaching approaches, peace education, gender awareness, classroom management, comprehensive sexuality education (CSE), climate change, and child protection,” he said, listing the breadth of topics covered during the two weeks.
Adeer emphasized that the impact of the training would not stop with him. “I will share this knowledge with my learners and also with my fellow teachers at Malek ALP Center,” he explained, recognizing the multiplier effect of investing in teacher capacity. He also expressed his gratitude, saying, “My message to HESS is a big thank you for organizing such an educative training.” But like Aluel, he highlighted ongoing needs, adding, “I kindly request for textbooks for our learners and certification for the course we have completed.”
The reflections of Aluel and Adeer demonstrate the transformative power of teacher training. Their testimonies show how new knowledge can energize and equip teachers to better serve learners, while also pointing to the urgent need for continued support—whether in the form of resources, incentives, or learning materials.
With the backing of the Global Partnership for Education, and through the implementation efforts of Save the Children and HelpEducation South Sudan, this training marks a step forward in strengthening teacher capacity across Lakes State. It is also a reminder that empowering teachers is one of the most effective ways to accelerate education delivery, particularly for girls and children with disabilities who often face the greatest barriers.
As Aluel put it simply: “I am going to replicate the knowledge I have acquired with my learners so that they benefit directly from this training.” Her words capture the spirit of the initiative—knowledge passed on, multiplied, and transformed into opportunity for learners who deserve nothing less than a brighter future.
