Africa-Press – South-Sudan. The scholarship program targets high school students across the country, particularly orphans, disadvantaged children, and children of veterans.
This year marks the beginning of the national high school scholarship intake, with Lakes State contributing 38 beneficiaries selected from eight counties.
Among them are 32 boys and 6 girls, who will travel to Aweil to continue their studies alongside other students from different states and administrative areas.
Governor Madhang expressed appreciation to Adut Salva Kiir Mayardit for extending the scholarship to vulnerable children across the country.
He said, “These children are the future of Lakes State. As we send them off today to pursue their studies in Aweil at Cornerstone Vision Academy, we hope they will excel and return with knowledge to benefit our state and communities.”
He added, “We will maintain communication with the authorities in Northern Bahr el Ghazal State to ensure the students’ safety and welfare.”
The Minister of General Education and Instruction, Nelson Makoi Makur, emphasized the significance of the scholarship, saying, “These learners are truly children of vulnerable families. Some are orphans, and others have special needs. They deserve this support, and we have followed the selection guidelines closely to ensure fairness.”
He urged the students to make the most of the opportunity: “Take this chance seriously, commit yourselves, behave well, and work hard. Your success will improve not only your future but also that of your families and your communities.”
According to the chairperson of the state selection committee, Gibril Chol Maker, the selection exercise was conducted across all eight counties of Lakes State.
He explained, “We focused on three categories: orphans, disadvantaged children, and children of veterans who have completed Primary Eight between 2023 and 2025 but have no opportunity to continue their studies. We ensured that all documentation—from local chiefs, PTA endorsements, and county education offices—was in place for transparency.”
Maker also said, “Out of 38 students, six are girls and 32 are boys. This is Phase One, and in Phase Two we expect to select 62 more students, which should increase female participation.”
Students are expected to report to Aweil by April 15, where they will begin their studies at Cornerstone Vision Academy.
Maker confirmed, “The state government will take responsibility for organizing their transport and ensuring that they travel safely and stay in peace.”
One of the beneficiaries, Nyanwulu Moses, an 18-year-old from Wulu County, expressed her gratitude, saying, “We thank Adut Kiir Mayardit for this opportunity. We will study hard and come back to support our parents and communities. The girls we left behind will also be inspired to succeed in school.”
The scholarship program is seen as a significant step toward improving access to education for vulnerable children in South Sudan, offering them hope for a brighter future and the chance to contribute meaningfully to their communities.
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