Construction underway on the new 400-house resettlement project at the Khor Malang Settlement for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), recently visited by the Governor of Western Bahr el Ghazal (WBeG) State. The two-year project is funded by the Government of Norway with USD 5 million. Courtesy of WBeG Home News

The Minister of General Education and Instruction has pledged to provide scholastic materials to school-going children at Khor Malang Resettlement Site in Western Bahr el Ghazal State, following concerns over learning challenges facing returnee and reintegrated children.

Speaking during a forum on durable solutions for internally displaced persons (IDPs), returnees, and refugees in Juba on Tuesday, Minister Kuyok Abol Kuyok said his ministry had taken note of concerns raised by representatives from Western Bahr el Ghazal regarding the situation of children in the resettlement area.

He acknowledged the urgent need to support education services in Khor Malang, including the establishment of schools and the provision of learning materials to ensure children have access to education.

“Education is a human right. I think we need to begin from that premise. It’s the right of every child to have education,” Minister Kuyok said.

He added that the government remains committed to implementing President Salva Kiir’s February 2023 directive on compulsory education and ensuring that vulnerable children are not left behind.

The minister described the shortage of scholastic materials as an urgent concern and assured residents that his ministry would intervene.

“I’ve taken note of the situation, which is really a very urgent kind of situation because scholastic materials are needed. It’s important that we have a school in this particular area,” he said.

Kuyok further revealed that he is planning to visit Wau in the near future and hopes to travel to Khor Malang to assess the situation firsthand.

Khor Malang is a resettlement site located about five kilometers from Wau town. The site was established to accommodate internally displaced persons, returnees, and refugees who have been reintegrating into their communities with support from the government and humanitarian partners.

Despite progress in resettlement efforts, residents have repeatedly raised concerns over limited access to basic services, including education, healthcare, clean water, and livelihood opportunities. Community representatives say children in the area often lack classrooms, teaching materials, and other essential learning resources, affecting school attendance and performance.

The government, with support from United Nations agencies and humanitarian organizations, has been promoting durable solutions for displaced populations through the establishment of permanent resettlement sites aimed at helping families rebuild their lives after years of displacement caused by conflict and insecurity.