UNICEF, ECHO Support Transforms Education for Vulnerable Children in Renk

By: Ginaba Lino|CRN_Hundreds of vulnerable children in Renk County are returning to classrooms and rebuilding their futures through the Education programme supported by the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and funded by the European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (ECHO).

The initiative, implemented by Community In Need Aid (CINA), has revitalized learning in Abukadra, Chumedi, and John Garang primary schools by providing essential scholastic materials, teacher support, and safe learning environments for children affected by displacement and conflict.

Through the programme, learners received exercise books, textbooks, and other critical learning supplies—resources that many previously lacked.

“I am happy to be in school again,” said one pupil. “Before, we stayed at home without learning. Now I want to become a teacher.”

For Nyacheng Kuoth Michael, now in Primary Seven, the reopening of Abukadra Primary School marked a turning point. After missing several years of schooling, she says the opportunity to learn again has restored her hope.

“I am grateful to UNICEF, ECHO, and CINA for supporting us,” she said. “This has helped both returnees and the host community.”

At Chumedi Primary School, learners say the availability of learning materials has significantly improved their studies.

“We now have exercise books and textbooks,” said Mubarik Musa, a Primary Eight pupil. “Learning is better, though we still need sports materials for games during break time.”

School leaders say the intervention has not only improved access to education, but also supported the reopening and expansion of schools.

Awadia Paulo Adowk, Headmistress of Chumedi North Primary School, said the institution was established with support from humanitarian partners.

“UNICEF and ECHO played a key role in starting this school,” she said. “We now have about 650 learners, most of whom are refugees and returnees who settled here.”

She added that CINA has supported the school through teacher incentives, capacity building, and the provision of scholastic materials.

“Teachers have been trained, and Parent-Teacher Associations have also received support to strengthen school management,” she said.

Community members say the reopening of schools has brought relief, particularly for families returning after years of displacement.

“This school is very important for us,” said a member of the Parent-Teacher Association. “Our children now have access to education and a better future, though more classrooms are still needed.”

According to Ayen Joseph Maker, Project Manager at Community Need Aid, the programme has significantly increased school enrolment.

“When the school reopened in August 2025, there were about 231 learners,” she said. “Today, enrolment has increased to nearly 700 due to the support provided.”

She noted that the programme focuses not only on access to education, but also on improving the quality of teaching and learning.

“We provide training in Education in Emergencies pedagogy and mental health and psychosocial support,” she said. “This is essential because many of the children have experienced trauma and need additional care beyond academics.”

The programme has also introduced child help desks to provide counselling and support, as well as training for Parent-Teacher Associations to enhance community involvement in education.

Despite these gains, challenges remain. Many schools face shortages of learning materials, and funding constraints limit the support available to teachers.

“At Abukadra, we have 16 teachers, but only six receive monthly incentives of 40 US dollars,” Ayen explained. “Most are volunteer teachers from the community.”

Local authorities say the education system in Renk is under increasing strain due to the influx of refugees and returnees fleeing conflict in neighbouring Sudan.

Renk County Education Director Aleir Kur said nearly 90 percent of newly arrived children have been integrated into schools through joint efforts between the government and humanitarian partners.

“However, more support is needed to address shortages and reduce pressure on the system,” he said.

Despite the challenges, the transformation is evident. Classrooms that once stood empty are now filled with eager learners.

For children who had lost years of education, the return to school represents more than just learning; it is a renewed chance to rebuild their lives and shape their future.