Central Equatoria Adds 50 School Sponsorships for Vulnerable Students

(JUBA) – The Governor of Central Equatoria State, Emmanuel Adil Anthony, has launched an orientation workshop for the National High School Sponsorship Programme targeting orphans, disadvantaged students and children of veterans.

The programme is implemented by the Office of the Senior Presidential Envoy for Special Programmes under the Office of the President of the Republic of South Sudan. The workshop focused on preparing High Level Selection Committees tasked with identifying and verifying eligible beneficiaries.

Governor Adil said the committees must ensure fairness and transparency in selecting students across all states and counties. He urged members to verify applicants carefully so that support reaches those most in need without bias.

He said the committees are also responsible for monitoring the use of funds, coordinating with school administrations to track student welfare and academic performance, and submitting regular accountability reports to national leadership.

The Governor described the assignment as a serious responsibility that requires integrity and inclusivity throughout the selection process.

During the event, he announced that the Central Equatoria State Government will sponsor an additional 50 students. Six students will be selected from each of the six counties and Wonduruba Administrative Payam, with eight slots reserved for children of veterans in the state. The additional places bring the total state support under the programme to 150 students, including 100 slots already allocated to Central Equatoria under the national scheme.

Governor Adil called on education authorities and community leaders to cooperate fully with the selection committees to ensure smooth implementation.

Akoc Akuei Manhiem, Director for Domestic, Regional and Diaspora Engagement in the Office of the Senior Presidential Envoy for Special Programmes, said the initiative was launched by President Salva Kiir as part of the government’s commitment to education as a foundation for peace, stability and human development.

He said the sponsorship will run for four years from 2026 to 2029 and is expected to support 1,500 students across South Sudan.