The National Ministry of Education has pledged over eight million pounds for supporting education in the country.

The announcement comes after Save the Children International released a report yesterday in Juba, saying education has been affected by the on-going crisis in the country.

The government and educational partners will use the grant to support primary and secondary schools.

Addressing the media after the meeting, the Undersecretary in the National Ministry of Education, Michael Lopuke, said education is essential.

“We continue to affirm that education cannot wait and therefore, we will try all efforts that will promote education in South Sudan,” Mr Lopuke said.

The Representative of UNICEF in South Sudan, Jonathan Veitch, said they are committed to supporting education, despite the obstacles which could not allow them to operate in the conflict affected areas.

He says education is the first priority in the country which needs a strong response by next year.

“We must not leave education out. We need preposition supplies as quickly as possible.”

Learning has been crippled by the violence particular in Unity, Jonglei and Upper Nile states where schoolchildren fled.

Schools were destroyed and educational materials looted.

Stake holders and educational partners have set up an effort to prioritize education in South Sudan with support from USAID and European Union among others.

The support will include the provision of scholastic materials to the schools and to improve the social welfare of teachers.