Nairobi, 19 September 2022 – Out of an estimated population of 12.1 million in South Sudan, around 8.9 million people are currently in need of humanitarian assistance with an estimated 2.8 million out-of-school children across the country. A 2021 Education Needs Assessment found that one of the most common reasons for children not enrolling or attending school is a lack of an easily accessible school.
The African Trade Insurance Agency (ATI), recently launched its CSR Strategy, with the intention to promote the social and economic well-being of its stakeholders, particularly vulnerable and marginalized communities in Africa. In line with this vision, ATI has provided financial support of USD 50,000 to the Africa Educational Trust (AET). The donation will assist the efforts of AET in providing opportunities for education in parts of Africa where children are affected by conflict, poverty and climatic crisis.
The donation is being made as part of ATI’s social and economic investment in Africa in line with its CSR framework and relates to the field of Education and Capacity Building, in particular, access to safe education services for the most disadvantaged children. This will contribute to efforts to ensure social welfare and promote economic development, particularly for the benefit of poor, vulnerable and marginalized groups of people, in its areas of operation through a series of interventions that will enhance economic, environmental issues and social development of the region. The donation will be mutually beneficial to both parties as AET’s mission is to keep children safe, in school and learning by being keen on Standing up For Safe and Protective Education in South Sudan, in collaboration with the Ministry of General Education (MoGE).
ATI’s contribution will enable an additional 200 emergency – affected out of school children in Western Equatorial state to access education through the construction of 2 learning spaces. Funding of USD 50,000 from ATI will enable AET to collaborate with the MoGE to identify and work in 2 marginalized communities, ensuring that their children have a safe place to learn. To achieve this mission, AET will work with children, parents and communities to engage in the construction of classrooms and have the children enrolled in school. The learning spaces will be constructed in line with Minimum Standards for Education in Emergencies. It will also help in orientation of teachers and establishment of Parents Teachers Association within the new schools to ensure retention and sustainability.
Quote from Manuel Moses, CEO, ATI
“Every child deserves to get education in a free and fair environment far from any environmental, political or natural setback. A community with children who cannot access education is a disadvantaged. ATI is honored to enter into this partnership with AET and we couldn’t come in a better time after the COVID-19 pandemic and the Ukrainian war disrupted everything, including education, and we are still trying to pick up the debris to put back everything into its place. We trust that our partnership will help change the lives of many children and hence the community at large, by giving support to the education sector in South Sudan.”
Quote from Julie Polzerova, Executive Director, AET
“AET welcomes this partnership with ATI which will enable us to bring education to children in South Sudan who have struggled to access school and whose communities live through protracted conflict and an ongoing climatic crisis. AET believes that keeping children in school, safe and learning is the key to positive change for communities. Through education, children can share understanding and work towards a better future for themselves and their country. ATI will be making this possible for two very disadvantaged communities and it is a generous commitment to supporting education in South Sudan.”
