Eastern Equatoria State has sent 33 students to Aweil in Northern Bahr el Ghazal State under the Adut Salva Kiir scholarship programme. The programme supports vulnerable children and families of veterans of South Sudan's liberation struggle. The students departed from Torit airstrip on Saturday after a send-off ceremony attended by caretaker Governor Louis Lobong Lojore and caretaker Education Minister Ibwaha Lucy Allam.
According to Education Minister Ibwaha Lucy Allam, 38 students had initially been selected for the scholarship, but only 33 were present for departure. Officials had struggled to trace some beneficiaries across the state's counties. The Adut Salva Scholarship Programme prioritizes orphaned and vulnerable children. Ayella Hassan, the state coordinator for the programme, confirmed that the departing students are the programme's first batch, with another group expected next year.
The scholarship programme is named after Adut Salva Kiir Mayardit, the daughter of President Salva Kiir and Senior Presidential Envoy on Special Programmes. The programme aims to support vulnerable students and children of veterans from across South Sudan. Students like Louis Nani Okwera Anthony, 17, who completed primary school at Magwi Central Primary School with a score of 86.6%, had faced financial difficulties that threatened their education.
Emmanuel Peter, 18, from Narus in Kapoeta East County, also benefited from the scholarship. He said the programme had renewed his hopes of progressing to secondary school after his family struggled to meet education costs. The scholarship programme provides an opportunity for students from disadvantaged backgrounds to access education.
Governor Louis Lobong Lojore urged the students to maintain discipline, perform well academically, and acquire practical skills. He also directed the state scholarship coordinator to monitor their welfare and academic progress. The governor's directive ensures that the students receive the necessary support to excel in their studies.
Eastern Equatoria State is not the only state to benefit from the Adut Salva Kiir scholarship programme. Last week, Western Equatoria State sent 39 students to Aweil in Northern Bahr el Ghazal State under the same programme. This brings the total number of students sent to Aweil from both states to 72.
The Adut Salva Kiir scholarship programme demonstrates the government's commitment to supporting vulnerable children and families of veterans. By providing education opportunities, the programme aims to empower the next generation of South Sudanese citizens. The programme's impact is expected to be felt across the country, as more students benefit from the scholarship.
Key points
- The Adut Salva Kiir scholarship programme supports vulnerable children and families of veterans of South Sudan's liberation struggle.
- Eastern Equatoria State sent 33 students to Aweil under the programme, with another group expected next year.
- The programme is named after Adut Salva Kiir Mayardit, the daughter of President Salva Kiir.
