Governor of Western Sarah Clito, John McCue, IOM South Sudan Chief of Mission, and Lasseko, UNICEF South Sudan Representative during the lauch of the project in Wau on Tuesday - Courtesy

The European Union and United Nations agencies have launched a $26.5 million project aimed at strengthening education, resilience and social cohesion among displaced persons and returnees.

The 3-year project targeting 120,000 people in areas with high numbers of displaced people or returnees was launched today in Western Bahr el Ghazal’s capital Wau.

It is funded by the European Union and implemented by the International Organization for Migration, the World Food Programme and the United Nations Children’s Fund, UNICEF.

“Education is a fundamental right of every child. No child should be left behind. Children living in a context of fragility, internally displaced, returnee and refugee children should therefore equally benefit from an enabling learning environment and be supported to acquire knowledge and skills, the EU delegation’s Head of Cooperation Gabriel Leonte said in a statement.

He added that Education is an investment and hopes that the project will bring peace and socio-economic opportunities for the people of South Sudan.

Leonte called for a renewed and strong government ownership, leadership and accountability at all levels in ensuring every child exercises their fundamental right to education.

From his part, John McCue, IOM South Sudan Chief of Mission says the partners are laying down roots for self-sufficiency and resilient communities.

Meanwhile, the representative of UNICEF South Sudan Hamida Lasseko says the project will help support returnees in rebuilding their lives and creating a better future for their children.

This is by focusing on inclusive and gender-responsive quality education, sustainable livelihoods, school feeding, climate resilience, and activities to promote social cohesion.

It is also expected to enhance adult literacy, numeracy and essential life skills.