The fourth of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals is to “ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all.” This objective is the heartbeat of Africa ELI.
Providing access to education for the girls of South Sudan pushes the new nation toward inclusiveness and equality. As we described in a previous blog post, the barriers for females in an overtly patriarchal society are vast. When our staff began visiting South Sudan during 2006 and 2007, it was rare to find a girl seated in a classroom. They were filled with boys. Motivated by our South Sudanese friends, we became determined to help fill the enormous gap in secondary school enrollment between boys and girls.
In 2015, the United Nations identified certain criteria needed in order to achieve the SDG 4 targets. Communities must have effective learning environments, academic scholarships, and qualified teachers and educators. Here are the steps Africa ELI took in our first decade of work that align with SDG 4.
1. Developed Learning Environments
Working with South Sudanese community members to rehabilitate and build secondary school facilities, we created spaces conducive to learning.
Local laborers were hired for all of Africa ELI’s building construction projects in an effort to improve the struggling post-conflict economy. The classrooms were equipped with locally crafted desks, chairs, and chalkboards. Rooftops protected students from weather.
Between 2008 and 2016, we purchased and installed numerous features to enhance learning environments. These included solar panels for lighting, which allowed for studying in the late evenings and early mornings, as well as enhanced campus security; wells producing water for drinking, as well as cooking and cleaning; and separate latrine facilities affording privacy for both girls and boys.
When relocating Africa ELI students to Uganda in late 2016 for better security and safety, Africa ELI sought out education partners who also value quality learning environments.
2. Provided Academic Scholarships
Scholarships to pay school fees for South Sudanese girls has long been the hallmark program of Africa ELI. Girls and women have been, and continue to be, the focus of our scholarship distribution agenda. Recipients range from 14 to 30 years of age. We have sponsored girls, and boys in crisis, from all (former) ten states of South Sudan, as well as from the Nuba Mountains. In addition to basic school fees, Africa ELI girls are provided with essentials needed for dorm living. School uniforms, shoes, and athletic wear, are all included in the sponsorship of Africa ELI students.
3. Hired Quality Teachers and Educators
Initially, Africa ELI attempted to recruit and hire quality female teachers in South Sudan. However, this proved difficult because applicants had either minimal teaching experience or none at all. In order to offer the quality education desired, we reached out to the East Africa community beyond South Sudan to employ suitably trained teachers. Some of our Africa ELI graduates have become elementary school teachers, and we anticipate more will follow, bridging the gender gap in academia.
To keep reading and learning about SDG 4, check out these resources:
Global Partnership for Education
United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization
SDG 4 South Sudan Country Profile (PDF)
Moving Forward
As Africa ELI begins a new decade of educating South Sudanese girls, we have stepped away from the building of infrastructure. Circumstances in South Sudan have been unstable, and warfare has driven millions of people across borders in search of safety. We have established partnerships with Ugandan schools willing to enroll our girls who fled South Sudan. The majority of our students are in one high school near the capital city of Kampala. Until sustained peace returns to South Sudan, we will remain in Uganda and continue nurturing the girls’ love of learning. By equipping them with necessary tools and basic resources through the dELIvering 3-4-5 Campaign, you can help them remain on track to achieve a high school education.
None of our work toward quality education for girls would be possible without the generous support of our Africa ELI friends. Thanks to one and all who believe in the power of education and have loyally contributed toward the girls’ success. Please consider making a contribution today to our dELIvering 3-4-5 Campaign. If donations are received in the coming days, our girls can return from the current holiday break in mid-September with school fees paid and requirements in hand. Thank you for your help!
Our Mission
By providing access to education, Africa ELI prepares young women in South Sudan to become leaders in their families and communities, engage in business enterprise, counteract inequalities, improve health practices, and work toward improving society for the benefit of all citizens.
Help Get the Message Out
A strong social media presence is vital to grow support for our girls in South Sudan. Please help us build support by following us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram and sharing our posts.
