More Girls in School After Cash Support Rollout

(YEI RIVER COUNTY) – The Girls Education South Sudan (GESS) programme says cash incentives given to learners across the country have led to a noticeable rise in the number of girls enrolling in school this year.

The initiative provides direct financial support to pupils and is designed to help girls meet basic needs and remain in school. Beneficiaries include girls in Primary Seven and Primary Eight, all secondary school classes and learners at Level Four of the Accelerated Learning Programme (ALP). Boys with disabilities in the same levels also qualify for the support.

In Yei River County, the payments for the current academic year began on 22 October 2025. Candidate classes, which include Primary Eight, Senior Four and ALP Level Four, each receive 166,000 South Sudanese Pounds. This amount is equal to about 23 US Dollars. Learners in other eligible classes receive 129,000 South Sudanese Pounds, or about 18 US Dollars.

Boys with disabilities in qualifying classes receive 230,900 South Sudanese Pounds, which is roughly 33 US Dollars.

Cash Transfer Amounts

Speaking to Access Radio, GESS Team Leader Daniel Gesaka said there has been strong progress in enrolment among younger girls:

“We have seen remarkable improvements in girls’ enrolment in Primary Five and Six, with some areas reporting more girls than boys.”

However, Gesaka noted that pupils in Primary Seven, especially girls and children with disabilities, still struggle to move on to secondary school. He said reduced funding has made it necessary to focus the support on groups most in need:

“We remain hopeful that this targeted approach will sustain and build upon the gains made so far.”

One of the beneficiaries, Winnie Isaac, a Primary Seven pupil at Kisan Primary School, said the payment has made it possible for her to stay in school:

“I am so happy to get this money since my school fees have not been paid for this term. I can pay my fees, buy a school bag and other learning materials.”

The GESS programme aims to expand access to education for girls and learners with disabilities and to reduce the barriers that prevent older girls from continuing to secondary school. The programme team leader said it remains committed to supporting vulnerable pupils across South Sudan as funding allows.

Editor’s Note: If you have more information on education support programmes in your area, Access Radio welcomes your contributions.