Eastern Equatoria State has sent 33 students to Aweil in Northern Bahr el Ghazal State under a scholarship programme supporting vulnerable children and families of veterans of South Sudan’s liberation struggle.
The students departed from Torit airstrip on Saturday after a send-off ceremony attended by caretaker Governor Louis Lobong Lojore and caretaker Education Minister Ibwaha Lucy Allam.
Allam said 38 students had initially been selected, but only 33 were present for departure because officials had struggled to trace some beneficiaries across the state’s counties.
Ayella Hassan, the state coordinator for the Adut Salva Scholarship Programme, said priority had been given to orphaned and vulnerable children. He described the departing students as the programme’s first batch and said another group is expected next year, citing information from a committee in Juba.
Louis Nani Okwera Anthony, 17, who completed primary school at Magwi Central Primary School with a score of 86.6%, said financial difficulties had threatened his chances of continuing his education.
Emmanuel Peter, 18, from Narus in Kapoeta East County, said the scholarship had renewed his hopes of progressing to secondary school after his family struggled to meet education costs.
Governor Lobong urged the students to maintain discipline, perform well academically and acquire practical skills. He also directed the state scholarship coordinator to monitor their welfare and academic progress.
Last week, Western Equatoria State sent 39 students to Aweil in Northern Bahr el Ghazal State under the same programme.
The programme is named after Adut Salva Kiir Mayardit, the daughter of President Salva Kiir. She is the Senior Presidential Envoy on Special Programmes.
The programme is intended to support vulnerable students and children of veterans from across South Sudan.
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