New Education Project Launched In Yei County

(YEI RIVER COUNTY) – Authorities in Yei River County have pledged strong support for a new four-year education programme aimed at improving learning outcomes, strengthening teaching quality and increasing school enrolment across the county.

The Play Matters Phase Two project was officially launched in Yei by Plan International, in partnership with the International Rescue Committee (IRC) and War Child Alliance, with funding from the LEGO Foundation through the UPS Children’s Foundation. The programme will run from July 2026 to June 2030 and is expected to benefit thousands of learners, teachers and communities in Yei River County and other parts of South Sudan.

Speaking during the launch on Wednesday, project officials said the initiative comes at a time when South Sudan continues to face serious education challenges, with an estimated 2.8 million children out of school and many learners failing to achieve minimum learning standards. The programme promotes play-based learning, encouraging active classroom participation and practical teaching methods to make learning more engaging and effective.

Yei River County Education Director, Rev. Canon Philip Taban Isa, welcomed the initiative and expressed optimism that the new approach would attract more children to school.

“A child wants to see, touch and play. If these elements are improved in our classrooms, we expect school enrolment to increase in Yei,” he said, while calling for adequate teacher training to ensure successful implementation.

Central Equatoria State officials also pledged cooperation to ensure the project succeeds. Director General in the Ministry of Information and Communication, Moga Emmanuel Benai, commended Plan International for launching the programme at the grassroots level in Yei rather than in Juba.

“This project comes at a very critical time, and we are already working closely with Plan International to ensure the next four years bring positive results for education in our communities,” Benai said.

Meanwhile, Yei River County Commissioner Samuel Henry Malimbo pledged that county authorities would closely monitor the project throughout its implementation. He described education as a top government priority and urged teachers, parents, community leaders and development partners to work together to ensure its success.

“Education remains one of our highest priorities. We want our children to learn in a conducive environment and receive quality education,” the Commissioner said.

Plan International says previous implementation of the Play Matters approach in Ethiopia, Uganda and Tanzania has improved teaching quality, learner engagement, school attendance and enrolment, offering hope for similar results in South Sudan.