Committee publication · Correspondence · 21 April 2026
Correspondence from the Minister of State for International Development & Africa relating to Partnership priorities in South Sudan, 1 April 2026
Summary
Baroness Chapman updates the IDC on UK education programming in South Sudan, reporting that the Girls' Education South Sudan programme has supported 1.5 million girls and achieved gender parity in primary school enrolment. She confirms Education, Health and Humanitarian response remain priorities, details the transition to a new Education for All South Sudan programme, and expresses concern about the South Sudanese government's low education budget allocation and escalating violence.
Key findings
- GESS programme has directly supported 1.5 million girls; gender parity achieved in primary school enrolment (from 1:4 girls-to-boys ratio in 2013 to 1:1 parity now)
- UK secured additional £20 million for 2026 education funding through partner delegation and leads the education sector in South Sudan
- South Sudan government allocates only 2.6% of budget to Education in 2025 (3.5% indicative for current year); actual funding much lower, leaving teachers unpaid for 12+ months
- Transition from GESS to new Education for All South Sudan (EFASS) programme underway; Business Case details will be public after procurement completion
- Minister expresses deep concern about escalating violence, civilian harm, and constraints on aid access; UK pressing for ceasefire and inclusive political dialogue via Troika partnership with US and Norway
Tone
FactualTopics
Key actors
Baroness Chapman of Darlington, Sarah Champion MP, UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), Government of South Sudan, Global Partnership for Education (GPE), World Bank, Education Cannot Wait, Troika (US, Norway)
Notable line
“… the Transitional Government has done little to demonstrate a willingness to invest in their own people.”
Key Quotes
“Our Girls' Education South Sudan (GESS) programme has directly supported 1.5 million girls to access education.”
“… we have ended the disparity between girls and boys enrolling at primary school – from one girl to four boys in 2013 to now one-to-one gender parity.”
“… the Transitional Government has done little to demonstrate a willingness to invest in their own people.”
“… many of whom have not received salaries for over 12 months.”
“We are also deeply concerned about the escalating violence in South Sudan, characterised by appalling violence against civilians, humanitarian operations, a rise in displacement, and arbitrary constraints on aid access.”
Source · parliament.uk record ↗