SSD 30 - UNIVERSITY SUPPORT FOR GIRLS

Project Location

South Sudan is a young state, independent from Sudan since 2011. It is a country with great internal uncertainty, due to both political and inter-ethnic tensions. Its economy is one of the poorest on the planet. The Catholic Church tries to mediate for peace, and make up for the enormous educational and health needs it is sorely lacking as best it can. One example is that in South Sudan only 16% of girls over the age of 15 have had access to education.

The project focuses on Wau, the second largest city in South Sudan, and aims to support girls to complete secondary school and continue on to university. These young girls come from families that face great economic challenges, potentially discouraging them from continuing with their studies. Yet, the woman in this context plays such an important role in the family, she is the one who takes care of the weakest, she is the one who thinks and provides for everything. If they are not helped to enhance their capacities, it will be increasingly difficult for them to take on a leadership role. As the saying goes: "To educate a woman is to educate a nation".

Project description

As Comboni sisters we are accompanying about 100 girls on their secondary and university education. We follow them one by one by going to the schools to follow their education, visiting their homes, talking to their parents to make sure they are supported in their motivation to continue. We sponsor some of them to pay their school fees or cover other personal needs. We organise after-school meetings to make their education more holistic. We do this by meeting them every week in their small groups formed according to talents and interests.

A selected group of girls (future leaders) will receive advanced leadership training and support. They will serve as role models and assist in guiding their peers.

This project offers a meaningful and sustainable approach to addressing the educational and leadership challenges facing girls in Wau, South Sudan. By providing education, life skills training, and leadership formation, we are investing not only in individual girls but also in the long-term development of the entire community. Supporting this project means contributing to the empowerment of women and the creation of a more balanced, equal society.

Objectives

To ensure that girls are able to continue their secondary education and motivate the most capable to begin their university journey
To foster leadership skills among a selected group of girls who will mentor and lead the larger group, developing their capacities to take on active roles in their communities and future professional environments.
To promote gender equality by encouraging family and community involvement in supporting girls’ education and creating an enabling environment for their success.
To provide life skills and English language training, empowering girls to communicate, collaborate, and navigate the challenges they face.
To build a self-sustaining leadership network, where educated girls pass on knowledge and mentorship to younger girls, ensuring that the empowerment process continues over time.

Beneficiaries

Direct: about 100 girls

Indirect: the families and society

Referent sister for the project: Sr. Maria Elisabete Lourenco Almendra