Gatdor Gai Reat, one of the exceptional South Sudanese who scooped an A in the recently released Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) - Courtesy

The exceptional South Sudanese student who scored a distinction in the 2023-2024 Kenya Certificate for Secondary Education (KCSE) examination is calling on young people to set goals and pursue them through education.

Gatdor Gai said it is only through education that young people can achieve their dreams and become good citizens solving the problems facing their country.

He said through education, the youth can reduce illiteracy, and can change the narrative about South Sudan in the future.

Gai who took refuge in Kakuma refugee Camp, in Kenya in 2012 due to the challenging situation in South Sudan, is encouraging students not to abandon their studies.

“In your academic pursuit keep your eye on the goal, there are lot of obstacles and challenges out there in seeking education. So, to overcome this you need to have a goal,” he told Eye Radio’s Dawn Show on Thursday.

Gatdor Gai’s determination and hard work earned him an A grade after scoring As in Mathematics, Biology, Physics, Chemistry, History and Government, and Computer Science, with a B+ in English and Kiswahili.

Recalling his high school journey, Gai said he faced financial constraints, but his brilliant performance earned him a scholarship.

Asked if the opportunity avails, Gai said he aspires to study at Harvard University to become one of the most admired surgeons in the world.

“I really urge the young South Sudanese to work hard and work smart. In South Sudan here, there is severe hunger and there is a lot of illiteracy in South Sudan, there is civil crisis and tribal conflicts,” he said further.

“So, it is the young people of South Sudan who should look for education to change the story of South Sudan. I urge young people to center their goals on the problems that are facing South Sudan to be solution-seekers.”

The young scholar calls on the South Sudan government to double its support to the education sector in the country.