By: Marko Nyoro Abal | Voice of Hope Radio – Wau
The official launch of the 2025 Cash Transfer Program for school girls and children with disabilities was held in Wau, Western Bahr el Ghazal State. The initiative, which began in Juba on October 22, aims to support female students and children with special needs across South Sudan.
The Hope Agency for Relief and Development (HARD) is leading the campaign to distribute funds to targeted beneficiaries from Primary 7 to Senior 4.
Speaking at the official launch on Monday, Cleto Ireneo Kondo, Executive Director of HARD, said 21,571 girls and 718 children with disabilities are expected to benefit in Western Bahr el Ghazal State.
“Each student from Senior 1 to Senior 3 will receive 129,000 South Sudanese Pounds, while those in the Accelerated Learning Program (ALP) Grade 4 to Senior 4 and Primary 8 will receive 166,000 SSP,” Kondo explained.
Some pupils who received their transfers expressed gratitude to the Ministry of General Education and Instruction and HARD for the financial support. They urged fellow students to use the money wisely, particularly to purchase school materials.
Meanwhile, Donato Ugili, Acting Director of the State Ministry of General Education and Instruction, said the cash transfer serves as an incentive to encourage girls to stay in school.
“The money is meant to help them buy school materials like exercise books and uniforms. No one has the right to take this money from the girls by force,” Ugili warned.
According to the Ministry, the program will benefit students in 399 schools across the state and will run for 31 days.