At least 1,700 female students, including those living with disabilities, from 35 schools across Leer County in Unity State, have started receiving cash from Windle Truth International under the Girls Education South Sudan (GESS) program on Tuesday.
Speaking during the cash distribution, Guet Kuong Mabil, a Windle Truth International official, said the program is targeting primary 7 and 8 pupils and secondary school students.
Kuong urged parents to use the money wisely for the children’s school materials and not divert it.
“This year, we are targeting 1,700 students. The organization intervenes to support students in buying their school materials, such as exercise books, reading lights, shoes, and other school materials,” he stated. “I am asking the parents to prioritize this money to buy school materials for the school’s children during their studies.”
Some students from Emma Secondary School expressed their happiness with the support and said they would use the money to buy their school materials. They urged girls who are not in school to enroll.
Nyadien Walhok Liah, a GESS beneficiary, lauded the program.
“I am very happy because the organization came to provide us with money. I got the money, and I will buy school materials,” she said. “I also encourage girls who are not in school to join school so that in the future they can serve the community.”
Another beneficiary, Nyapini Nyot, said, “We are very happy with the organization that decided to give us cash assistance, and we are going to buy school uniforms.”
For her part, Chiw Tuar Thiey confirmed that she received SSP 166,000 and said she is grateful.
“The situation is very bad, and we will use the money to buy basic needs,” she said.