UNHCR’s education challenges in Southern Sudan by Tim Brown formerly Education Officer, UNHCR, Yei

About myself 13 years lecturing/ teacher training at universities in south Sudan and Kenya 13 years in education with UNHCR at camp, country and HQs levels Currently in Sierra Leone with UNICEF on country’s EFA FTI proposal

Sudan-related experience 8½ years at university in Juba ( ) 4½ years at university in Nairobi ( ) 7½ years with UNHCR in Uganda ( ) 1½ years with UNHCR in Yei ( )

World’s biggest education emergency “Sudan is currently at the forefront of the international community’s conflict/ post- conflict agendas.” Forced Migration Review, 24, p.46, November 2005

General background Devastated by two civil wars – 17 years and 21 years S Sudan is vast region with many different ethnic groups ½ million refugees and 4 million IDPs have been displaced Capacity of government weak at all levels – most government officials still not paid

General constraints Precarious security situation – inter-ethnic clashes and rebel attacks Logistical problems due to bad roads in rainy season and landmines/UXOs Many spontaneous returnees have caused congestion and cholera outbreaks in towns Inadequate and irregular funding has hampered UNHCR’s activities

UNHCR’s achievements Building/renovating/expanding schools and training centres Providing educ materials and equipment Training/supporting teachers, students and the community Promoting education of women and girls Sensitising communities on peace building, HIV/AIDS, SGBV and gender

Education challenges Lack of education infrastructure, resources and qualified personnel Low school enrolment and retention Many youths and adults have completely missed out on education Great disparities in education provision between geographical locations Most schools are temporary or trees

Education challenges (2) Many teachers have not finished their own primary education Various alternative curricula being used English to be language of instruction yet many students only know Arabic Few post-primary institutions Negative attitudes towards vocational skills and practical work

Education challenges (3) Huge disparities in girls’ education – worse than any country in the world Less than 1% of girls complete primary education Only 1 schoolchild in 4 is a girl Just 7% of teachers are females – reinforcing gender imbalance 90% of females are illiterate

Lessons learned Conditions of return made conducive through C-B reintegration projects Absorption capacity of schools needs to be increased Stayees should benefit as well as the returnees – holistic approach Rural areas need development as well as towns

Lessons learned (2) Although weak, MoEST should be supported to take responsibilities MoEST should be supported at local levels – not just at central level Communities need to be fully involved in reintegration projects – for sustainability Affirmative action is needed to address gender disparities

Affirmative action Sensitisation of communities Appoint female education coordinators Recruit (senior) female teachers All training to include gender elements Build girls’ schools and dormitories (Partial) scholarships for girls at post-primary levels Separate latrines, sanitary materials, decent clothes

Opportunities Encourage IDPs to return to original homes so that occupied land is released Education is priority for Sudanese - keen to improve their education system Sudan is potentially a rich country Signing of CPA indicates that people want peace to succeed Many educated Sudanese in diaspora

Opportunities (2) Many stayee populations are resilient and committed C-B and local educ activities encourage sustainable and equitable development New education structures will provide opportunities for employment in ed sector Ongoing peace talks between Uganda and LRA rebels seem heading for success

Way ahead Teachers should be paid by government Decentralisation should be supported Construction of permanent schools is important especially for girls education Training of teachers esp in English S. Sudan curriculum urgently finalised Huge gender disparities to be addressed Donors to be educated on relief-devpt gap

Way ahead (2) Fair balance between refugees and stayees in education and jobs Under-served areas to be prioritised Relevant practical skills for job creation should be encouraged Government to pronounce its policy on vocational education NGOs move base from Nairobi to S Sudan

Final thought Education is important for everybody – especially for girls It is also a right We must develop rights-based approaches to reach all marginalised people including females Education is expensive – but ignorance is more expensive in the long run