• by Admin
• 02 Comments

Over 4,000 South Sudanese Refugee Children in Uganda Receive School Supplies

In a significant effort to enhance educational access for refugee children, over 4,000 South Sudanese children in Uganda have received essential school supplies, thanks to a UK-based funder and Plan International Uganda. The initiative benefited children in the Adjumani, Bidibidi, and Rhino refugee camps, providing them with exercise books, pens, and educational materials packaged in distinctive red bags.

Supporting Families and Education

Betty Masudio, a parent in the Adjumani camp, expressed gratitude for the "school in a bag" initiative, noting that the supplies will greatly assist her child's studies. “I did not have money to buy these materials. The little money I make is used for buying food for my family,” she shared, highlighting the financial struggles many families face.

Encouraging Enrollment and Retention

Jessica Ilomu, National Programme Manager at Plan International, emphasized that the initiative aims to motivate parents to enroll their children in school. She noted that some parents had previously resorted to marrying off young girls or sending them fishing, but awareness-raising efforts have shifted attitudes towards the value of education. “Parents are now ready to play their role to ensure these children remain in school,” Ilomu stated.

Improved Learning Conditions

Richard Chandiga, a head teacher at a beneficiary primary school, pointed out the practical benefits of the donation. Previously, students often struggled to keep their books intact, leading to loss and damage. “With this donation, the materials will be kept safely, and each child will identify their bag by its serial number,” he explained, which will help maintain organization and responsibility among students.

This initiative not only provides necessary educational supplies but also reinforces the importance of education within the refugee community, fostering a supportive environment for children's learning and developmen