In a significant step toward supporting long-term recovery in displacement-affected areas in South Sudan, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR), with funding from the European Union (EU), have officially handed over the rehabilitated Malakal Vocational Training Centre (VTC) and Joshua Primary School to local authorities in Upper Nile State.
The handover ceremonies were attended by senior government officials, including the State Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Paulino Onyaw, who represented Upper Nile State Governor General James Koang Chuol; the State Minister of Education, Peter Alberto; the Director of the Malakal VTC, David Dak; the Coordinator of Joshua Primary School, John Chol; the Head of Cooperation at the EU Delegation, Massimo Scalorbi; IOM Chief of Mission, Ms. Vijaya Souri; and UNHCR Representative, Ms. Marie-Helene Verney.
These handovers are part of the EU-funded Regional Response to the Sudan Crisis Programme, jointly implemented by IOM and UNHCR across Chad, Ethiopia, and South Sudan. The programme is designed to enhance essential service delivery, economic resilience, and social cohesion in communities affected by displacement.
“For the EU, investing in education and skills development is particularly important, as it means investing in South Sudan’s future,” said Massimo Scalorbi, Head of Cooperation at the EU Delegation to South Sudan. “The Joshua Primary School and the Vocational Training Centre handed over today are especially meaningful for Malakal – not only because they create new opportunities for people affected by displacement, but also because, by offering services to everyone, they help bring communities together.”
Once the largest institution of its kind in South Sudan, the Malakal VTC had experienced significant decline in recent years due to conflict and resource constraints. Recognizing its potential to promote economic recovery and self-reliance, IOM launched a full rehabilitation in September 2024. Works included refurbishment of key training facilities, construction of perimeter fencing, and provision of equipment to support technical training in fields such as metal fabrication, auto mechanics, carpentry, tailoring, hairdressing, masonry, IT, and network maintenance.
In tandem, IOM supported the development of a long-term Master Plan for the Malakal and Bentiu vocational training centres, aimed at enhancing institutional sustainability, improving the quality of instruction, and strengthening partnerships with government entities, development actors, and the private sector.
“Rehabilitating this centre signals renewed hope for the community,” said IOM Chief of Mission, Vijaya Souri. “It equips youth and vulnerable populations with the skills needed to drive sustainable economic growth and recovery.”
As part of the same initiative, UNHCR has completed the rehabilitation of Joshua Primary School, creating a safer and more accessible learning environment for children, many of whom come from displaced families. The comprehensive renovation included the construction of a perimeter fence, two blocks housing teachers’ offices, a warehouse, and four classrooms. Additionally, a separate block of gender-segregated latrines was constructed to enhance sanitation and foster a safe and inclusive environment for both girls and boys.
“Education plays a vital role in fostering resilience and strengthening social cohesion, especially for vulnerable communities affected by displacement. The rehabilitation of Joshua Primary School is an important step toward building a more inclusive and stable future for both displaced and host populations,” said Marie-Helene Verney, UNHCR Representative in South Sudan.
Together, the handovers of the VTC and Joshua Primary School mark an important milestone in efforts to support inclusive recovery in Malakal. By investing in education and livelihoods, IOM, UNHCR, and the EU, working in partnership with the Government of South Sudan, are contributing to a more stable, self-reliant future for communities impacted by conflict and displacement.