Juba, February 13, 2026 (SSNA) — The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has launched a new early childhood education (ECE) initiative in South Sudan, targeting 4,000 children aged 4–6 affected by conflict and poverty. The programme aims to expand access to quality learning and strengthen foundational skills that support lifelong education.
Focusing on Central Equatoria and Lakes, regions with critical gaps in early learning, the project will also reach roughly 10,000 community members through advocacy and awareness activities. By strengthening community-based ECE, improving teacher capacity, and enhancing school governance systems, UNICEF aims to create a sustainable foundation for early learning.
In collaboration with the Ministry of General Education, the initiative supports national priorities under South Sudan’s General Education Sector Plan (2023–2027). It strengthens Parent Teacher Associations (PTAs) and School Management Committees (SMCs) to ensure community ownership and long-term impact.
A key component is teacher development: 160 educators and facilitators will receive training, mentorship, and coaching to improve teaching quality, apply the national ECE curriculum effectively, and develop low-cost, locally relevant learning materials.
By addressing both access and quality gaps, UNICEF’s initiative seeks to improve school readiness, ease transitions into primary education, and give vulnerable children the skills and support they need for lifelong learning.