The scholarship scheme falls under the Presidential Envoy’s Scholarship Program, which has allocated 1,300 slots nationwide for orphans and vulnerable children

By Emmanuel Mandella

The Western Equatoria State Ministry of Education has announced plans to begin identifying out-of-school orphans and other vulnerable children who will benefit from the national Presidential high school scholarship program, a move expected to expand access to secondary education for some of the state’s most disadvantaged learners.

The scholarship scheme falls under the Presidential Envoy’s Scholarship Program, which has allocated 1,300 slots nationwide for orphans and vulnerable children.

Speaking during a press briefing in Yambio, State Minister of Education, Gibson Bullen Wande, said the ministry is finalizing selection criteria before launching a statewide exercise to register eligible candidates, particularly those who completed the Primary Leaving Certificate (PLE) in 2025 but were unable to continue to secondary school due to financial constraints.

“The ministry will soon start identifying out-of-school orphans across all counties so that they can benefit from this national initiative. Our priority is those who have already completed PLE but are at home because they lack school fees and basic support,” Wande said.

The program is being coordinated by Adut Salva Kiir, who is working with state education ministries, school administrators, and community leaders to ensure a transparent and merit-based selection process.

Minister Wande described the initiative as a “major step toward inclusive education,” noting that many bright learners in Western Equatoria drop out after primary school due to poverty, displacement, and the lingering effects of conflict.

“Education is the only equalizer we have; if we support these children now, we are not only changing individual lives but also building the future workforce of our state and the country,” he said.

According to the ministry, the identification process will involve collaboration with county education departments, local chiefs, churches, and community-based organizations to verify the status of applicants and prevent duplication or favoritism.

Officials said special attention will be given to children who lost parents during the years of conflict, those living in child-headed households, and learners who have remained out of school despite passing their national exams.

“This is not just about numbers; we want the most vulnerable to be reached, and we want the process to be fair and credible,” Wande emphasized.

 The program is expected to cover tuition, scholastic materials, and provide long-term academic guidance to beneficiaries, ensuring they complete secondary education.

Education stakeholders in the state have welcomed the announcement, saying it will help address the growing number of idle youth who are unable to continue their studies after the primary level.

Western Equatoria, like many parts of South Sudan, faces high school dropout rates driven by poverty, early marriages, child labor, and the lack of affordable secondary schools in rural areas. Many families prioritize survival needs over education, leaving capable learners without opportunities.

By targeting out-of-school orphans, the ministry hopes to reduce social risks associated with youth unemployment, including crime, substance abuse, and recruitment into armed groups.

“An educated child is less likely to be exploited. This program is also a protection mechanism for our young people,” Wande noted.

To maintain public confidence, the ministry said the selection process will be publicly communicated, with clear eligibility guidelines and verification procedures.

Utilities

“The ministry will soon start identifying out-of-school orphans across all counties so that they can benefit from this national initiative. Our priority is those who have already completed PLE but are at home because they lack school fees and basic support,” said Western Equatoria State Minister of Education, Gibson Bullen Wande.