(SEOUL) – South Sudan is seeking to send 1,500 students to study in South Korea under a proposed government sponsored initiative, the Senior Presidential Envoy on Special Programs, Hon. Adut Kiir, has said.
The plan would build on the National High School Sponsorship Programme, which has provided 1,500 scholarships for orphans and vulnerable students to pursue secondary education in South Sudan.
Under the proposal, a corresponding 1,500 South Sudanese students would study in South Korea, with the Government of South Sudan financing the programme.
The initiative was discussed during a meeting with the President of the National Institute for International Education (NIIED), Han Sangshin.
NIIED is a government agency under South Korea’s Ministry of Education responsible for promoting international educational exchange, including the Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) programme.
During the meeting, Hon. Adut welcomed South Korea’s inclusion of the country in the Global Korea Scholarship programme.
The move was described as an important opportunity to strengthen educational ties and create pathways for South Sudanese students to access quality education and international exposure.
She noted that illiteracy remains a significant challenge in South Sudan.
Education was described as a critical catalyst for national development, institutional growth and long term prosperity.
The Senior Envoy expressed a desire to see more South Sudanese students benefit from the Global Korea Scholarship programme.
Expanded opportunities would help build the country’s human resource capacity and equip young people with the knowledge and skills required to contribute to national development.
The need to address educational barriers facing women, particularly those in underserved communities, was also highlighted.
The Senior Envoy called for expanded literacy programmes for women who may not have the opportunity to travel abroad.
The importance of bringing educational opportunities closer to communities across South Sudan was stressed.
The discussions further explored opportunities for institutional partnerships and exchange programmes.
These would focus on research, professional training and artificial intelligence (AI) literacy.
The Senior Envoy also called for increased investment in education infrastructure and learning opportunities for underserved populations.
The importance of developing a strong teaching workforce was emphasised.
In particular, the need to support South Sudanese teachers trained abroad to return home and contribute their expertise to the country’s education sector was highlighted.
It was said that such an initiative would represent a significant step towards strengthening bilateral educational cooperation, building local capacity and creating opportunities for South Sudanese students to gain international academic experience.
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