Daughters of Mary Immaculate Sisters and members of the teaching staff are arranging school items for distribution to the pupils on Tuesday

By Chuol Chanyong

The Daughters of Mary Immaculate (DMI) has donated essential educational materials to DMI Primary School in the Internally Displaced Persons camp in Juba on Tuesday.

The items donated included textbooks, school uniforms, and T-shirts for the Adolescent club afternoon.  

Speaking at the event, Sr. Regina Mary, Country Director of DMI in South Sudan, said the organization has been supporting the displacement camp and the children since 2014.

“This year, we are providing assistance to 1,092 students with educational materials, school uniforms, and teen club activities in the afternoon,” she added.

The nun said they were to the meet the needs of the children due to the generous support of their development partners like ‘ERIKS,’ and a local oil company here in South Sudan.

“Without them, these children would not have access to education.”  

She continued, “Many families here cannot afford school expenses. Amid these hardships, education remains their only hope.

“Last year, 166 pupils from ‘Primary 8 passed their national exams—proof that excellence is possible even in adversity,” Sr. Regina said.

She emphasized that the organization’s mission goes beyond academics.  

Meanwhile, Chuol Kier Yad, IDPs Camp 3 Chairperson described the organization’s intervention as transformative in every sense.

“Since 2014, the DMI Sisters have been pillars of our community. They have not only educated our children but given them a future.”

“Today, they distribute uniforms and books, but their impact runs deeper. They train women in tailoring and youth in mechanics, plumbing, and driving. These skills mean survival for families who have lost everything.”  

George Puoth Tuach, DMI Primary School Head teacher noted the increase in the enrolment of leaners at the school

He said in 2025 alone, they we have 1,250 pupils from Nursery to Primary 8. Every year, the DMI provides textbooks, uniforms, desks, and even teachers’ salaries.”  

Among the eager faces of the students stood “Simon Kuduop Koat, a representative of the pupils said, “The organization gives us free education, books, uniforms—everything. Without them, I wouldn’t have been able to attend school.”

He added, “I can tell them Please keep helping us.”  

Amid the challenges of South Sudan’s education system due to years of conflict, economic instability, and displacement, organizations like DMI are filling a critical gap.

According to UNICEF, over 2.8 million children in South Sudan are out of school, with girls disproportionately affected. In such a reality, DMI’s efforts are not just commendable—they are revolutionary.  

For over a decade, the Sisters of Mary Immaculate (DMI)—a Catholic religious organization—have served as a lifeline, safeguarding the right to quality education for children in some of South Sudan’s most vulnerable communities, despite immense challenges.