Profile| Primary school children in Malaka

Malakal, Upper Nile State (Eye Radio)— Education authorities in Upper Nile State, in partnership with UNICEF, launched a vibrant “Back-to-School” campaign on Friday aimed at encouraging all children to return to learning.

The event, held in Malakal town, attracted government officials alongside thousands of enthusiastic schoolchildren.

The acting Minister of Education, Ms. NyaNuer William Nyuan, stressed the pivotal role education plays in today’s world.

She called on parents to enrol all their children, citing that education is a fundamental right for everyone.

Ms. NyaNuer stated: “All of us—adults, people with special needs, children in war, children in peace, children in the first world— all of them have a right to education.

“Education is the key to everything in this world. It makes a lot of difference, stability. Education is peace, education is security, education is the law, education is development, education is health, education is fiscal construction, education is all.”

Meanwhile, Mr. Oliver Suro, representing the UN children’s agency, UNICEF, described the campaign as a vital opportunity for every child to attend school as part of their fundamental rights.

Speaking during the event, Mr. Suro remarked, “Seeing children in their various school uniforms is a great dream that has become a reality.”

Ms. NyaNuer added, “A series of mixed feelings to see students in their different uniforms—they are the future of this country, and what we do with their education matters to what happens in future. And so, we encourage this initiative and pledge the support of all.”

 2.1 million children (returnees, IDPs and resident communities), including 212,000 children with disabilities, were estimated to need education services in 2025.

The 2024 Inter-Sectoral Needs Assessment Report indicated that 64 per cent of children in need do not have access to education.