SOUTHERN SUDAN 5/3/2010 5:29:05 AM
Education Urged for Youth Returning from War in Sudan
After two decades of civil war, youth are still engaged in violent attacks on communities
A leading member of a youth organization in Rumbek State says southern Sudanese youth were deprived of education during the civil war between President Omar Hassan Al-Bashir's government and the Sudan People's Liberation Movement (SPLM), according to a VOA Special Report.
Mathok Madol Mathok says improved access to education should be an important part of the region's recovery.
"The neediest thing as a citizen of southern Sudan and also as a youth at the same time is education. During the war, many of us didn’t go to school because the youth were also at war...so we did not get time to study. After the war, we need education to develop our country," he said.
Some studies conclude that after the 2005 Comprehensive Peace Agreement development efforts have failed to materialize for the Nuer, Dinka, Murle and other communities.
Mathok said both factions deployed a lot of young people during the civil war. Today, youth are often engaged in violent attacks and counter-attacks with other communities.
A recent USAID report states that, after enduring two decades of civil war, the people of southern Sudan and the areas of Abyei, Blue Nile, and Southern Kordofan have one of the lowest literacy rates in the world.
However, public opinion polls show that education consistently leads the list of the most valued and desired government services -- demonstrating that there is a high demand for education services among Sudanese.
USAID programs focus on primary education, girls' education, teacher training, and institutional development. Activities target out-of-school youth, women, girls, returnees, ex-combatants, and other vulnerable and marginalized groups. They also enhance Government of Southern Sudan capacity to sustainably manage the education system.
For more about USAID's approach to promoting better access to education worldwide, visit www.usaid.gov.
For more stories on creating safer schools for a safer world, visit School Safety Partners at www.SchoolSafetyPartners.org.
