United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) delivered examinations and Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs) to learners in the SPLM-IO areas over the weekend.

UNICEF revealed in a press release that the gesture was in honour of an invitation by the Ministry of General Education and Instruction, to assist in transporting materials to seven affected counties where candidates failed to sit for Primary Eight examinations.

‘’The MoGEI asked UNICEF South Sudan to support with the dispatch of the new examination papers from Juba to Akobo, Ayod, Fangak (old and new), Nyirol, Nasir, Longechuk and Tonj East,’’ the statement read in part.

  1,732 students are currently sitting for the examination after the minister of education Awut Deng Acuil shelved the decision to postpone the exercise due to insecurity.

The country representative of UNICEF Andrea Suley said the move was to ensure that all children are accorded right to education regardless of their location.

“This was an important mission for UNICEF as access to education is a right for every child, regardless of location,” said Suley.

 “I’m pleased with UNICEF’s ability to mobilize quickly with partners and deliver the examination papers on time. What remains, is to wish the children best of luck.”

The minister expressed confidence on Saturday that the process would be a success as she revealed that the materials were successfully transported to the examination centres.

“I therefore take this opportunity to inform the candidates, parents and the general public that we transported examination consignment to the said locations this morning,” she said.

She added the administration of the examinations would start on Monday, February 15 and end on Friday, February 19, 2021.

“I would like to appreciate all those who have been involved in finding and harmonising solutions to the challenges that blocked children in these areas from participating in the initial examinations,” she said.