The student claimed that the December payments, which are often made just before Christmas, are frequently misappropriated by the beneficiaries

By Emmanuel Mandella

A schoolgirl has called on the National Ministry of General Education and the Girls’ Education South Sudan (GESS) program to adjust the timing of the cash payments meant to support girls in schools, to avoid the funds being misused during the Christmas season.

Speaking to the media, 18-year-old Rhoda Konyo, a student at Lui Girls’ National Secondary School, urged the authorities to shift the payment period from December to early February. Konyo highlighted that the December payments, which are often made just before Christmas, are frequently misappropriated by the beneficiaries, as they tend to spend the money on clothes and other luxury items during the festive period.

“Most of the girls misuse the money on luxuries during Christmas, which is not the right time for payment. Schools usually open in February, and by then, much of the money is already gone,” Konyo said. She suggested that payments made in February, when schools reopen across the country, would better serve the intended purpose of supporting girls’ education.

Konyo’s concerns echo previous comments from Mrs. Grace Apollo Musa, the Western Equatoria State Minister of General Education and Instruction. Last year, Mrs. Apollo Musa criticized the way some girls were handling the cash payments, which are aimed at reducing barriers to education.

“We noticed that many girls do not use the money for educational needs but rather spend it on unnecessary items during the holidays. This defeats the purpose of the program,” she said at the time.

The GESS cash transfers are meant to support girls’ school-related expenses, such as buying uniforms, books, and other essentials. The goal is to encourage school attendance and reduce the dropout rate among girls, especially in rural areas. However, according to Konyo and other critics, the timing of the payments in December undermines these efforts.

Parents of some of the beneficiaries have also expressed frustration over the issue mentioning that. “We know the money is intended to help our daughters with school costs, but the December timing is a problem,” said Peter Undo, a parent from Yambio. “If the payments were made in February, the girls would be able to focus on their school needs rather than getting distracted by the holiday festivities.”

Another parent, Mary John, added, “This money is important because it helps keep our daughters in school. But when it comes in December, they often misuse it, and then we have to struggle to get them what they need for school.”

If the payments were to be made in February, as proposed by Konyo, many believe the funds would have a more significant impact on the educational development of girls. The cash would be available just as school fees and other expenses become due, ensuring that the money is used for its intended purpose.

For now, the call for change is being echoed by students, parents, and educators alike, as they await a response from the Ministry of General Education and the GESS program.

“Most of the girls misuse the money on luxuries during Christmas, which is not the right time for payment. Schools usually open in February, and by then, much of the money is already gone.”- the 18-year-old concerned school girl.