South Sudan proudly joined the world in celebrating International Literacy Day 2025, a day dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of literacy as a foundation for personal, social, and economic development. This year, the Ministry of General Education and Instruction was represented by DG Mama Esther Okumu, together with Nicholas Manza, HESS Program Manager and NEC member, during a special live session hosted at Advance Youth Radio. The event provided a platform to highlight the achievements, challenges, and future priorities for literacy in South Sudan, aligning the nation with global efforts to ensure education for all.
The 2025 theme, “Promoting Literacy in the Digital Era,” carries a powerful message: literacy today is more than the ability to read and write. In a world increasingly shaped by technology, literacy encompasses digital skills, critical thinking, and the capacity to access, understand, and use information responsibly. From accessing online learning platforms to using digital tools for entrepreneurship and communication, literacy in the digital era opens doors to opportunities previously unimaginable.
For communities in South Sudan, this theme is particularly relevant. With young people making up a large portion of the population, equipping them with both traditional and digital literacy skills ensures they are prepared to participate fully in society, contribute to the economy, and engage in informed decision-making. Digital literacy also empowers adults and educators, helping schools adapt to modern teaching methods and bridging the gap between rural and urban areas.
International Literacy Day provides an opportunity not only to celebrate progress but also to reflect on the challenges that remain. In South Sudan, despite significant strides in education, barriers such as limited access to schools, insufficient teaching materials, and a lack of digital infrastructure continue to affect literacy rates. Events like the one at Advance Youth Radio help to shine a spotlight on these challenges while fostering collaboration between government bodies, civil society organizations, educators, and communities.
DG Mama Esther Okumu emphasized the government’s commitment to advancing literacy initiatives and integrating digital skills into the national curriculum. Similarly, Nicholas Manza highlighted the role of partnerships and community engagement in promoting literacy, ensuring that no child or adult is left behind in the digital transformation of education.
The ability to read, write, and navigate digital tools is crucial for participation in today’s society. Literacy empowers individuals to access vital information, improve health outcomes, engage in civic activities, and pursue economic opportunities. For South Sudan, advancing literacy is not just about individual empowerment—it is a cornerstone for national development and social cohesion.
Promoting literacy in the digital era also means fostering digital citizenship, helping young people and adults understand online safety, ethical behaviour, and responsible use of technology. By equipping citizens with these skills, South Sudan can harness the potential of technology for innovation, education, and sustainable development.
As we celebrate International Literacy Day 2025, it is important for every stakeholder—government officials, educators, parents, and community leaders—to commit to championing literacy and digital education. Initiatives such as community reading programs, teacher training in digital skills, and increased access to technology in schools are all steps toward building an inclusive learning environment.
Every child, youth, and adult deserves the opportunity to thrive in a world where digital skills are essential. By working together, South Sudan can ensure that literacy is not just a goal but a reality for all citizens.
International Literacy Day 2025 is a reminder that literacy is the foundation of empowerment, equity, and progress. In embracing the theme of digital literacy, South Sudan joins the global movement toward an informed, connected, and inclusive future. Let us continue to invest in education, promote digital skills, and support programs that ensure no one is left behind in the journey toward literacy for all.
Let us celebrate the power of literacy—traditional and digital alike—as the key to unlocking opportunities, building stronger communities, and shaping a brighter future for generations to come.
