HESS Joins International Literacy Day Celebrations in Awerial County
HelpEducation South Sudan (HESS) joined the Ministry of General Education and Instruction (MoGEI), education partners and local communities in Mingkaman, Awerial County, to commemorate International Literacy Day 2026.The celebration marked the 60th global anniversary and the 20th anniversary in South Sudan under the theme “Literacy for People, Planet, and Prosperity.” It brought together stakeholders to […]
HelpEducation South Sudan (HESS) joined the Ministry of General Education and Instruction (MoGEI), education partners and local communities in Mingkaman, Awerial County, to commemorate International Literacy Day 2026.
The celebration marked the 60th global anniversary and the 20th anniversary in South Sudan under the theme “Literacy for People, Planet, and Prosperity.” It brought together stakeholders to celebrate the value of literacy and call for greater support for education.
Celebrating literacy and lifelong learning
Observed annually on 8 September, International Literacy Day highlights the role of reading and writing skills in improving lives, strengthening communities and supporting sustainable development.
This year’s theme connected literacy with the knowledge and skills people need to improve their livelihoods, care for the environment and contribute to social and economic progress.
The gathering in Mingkaman brought together national and state government leaders, local authorities, education partners, teachers, parents and community leaders. Learners from 14 schools across Lakes State participated in a celebration featuring speeches, drama performances, poetry recitals and community awareness activities.
These activities highlighted the importance of learning at every stage of life and the shared responsibility to expand opportunities for children, young people and adults.
A call to strengthen education in Awerial County
Alongside the celebrations, government representatives and stakeholders drew attention to the challenges facing Awerial County’s education sector. They called on humanitarian organizations and donors to strengthen their support and help the County Education Department respond to local education needs.
The commemoration also emphasized foundational learning, girls’ education and the potential of digital tools to support reading and writing. MoGEI highlighted its commitment to addressing literacy challenges and advancing equitable access to quality learning, particularly in conflict-affected and underserved communities.
Local commitment to lasting progress
Local communities and authorities expressed their support and pledged their commitment to advancing education in Awerial County.
Their participation and commitment provide a foundation for stronger collaboration among families, schools, government and education partners. Translating these pledges into action will be essential to sustaining progress and reaching learners who face barriers to education.
HESS joins stakeholders in calling for continued investment and partnership to expand literacy and learning opportunities. The celebration in Mingkaman reinforced a shared message: advancing education requires both local commitment and sustained support.
Locally led partnership keeps education relevant, accountable and close to the communities it serves.