Educate 200 street children in South Sudan.

1. Project Overview

The “Educate 200 Street Children in South Sudan” project was implemented to improve access to education, protection, and psychosocial support for vulnerable street-connected children in South Sudan. During the reporting period, the project focused on identifying and enrolling out-of-school street children into formal and non-formal education programs while providing essential scholastic materials, life skills training, psychosocial support, and community awareness activities.

The project successfully reached 200 street children, including boys and girls living in highly vulnerable conditions within urban centres. Through collaboration with community leaders, schools, caregivers, and local authorities, the project contributed to reducing child vulnerability, improving school attendance, and strengthening child protection mechanisms.

Key achievements during the reporting period include:

• Enrollment and retention support for 200 street children in learning programs.
• Distribution of educational materials and school supplies.
• Provision of psychosocial support and counselling sessions.
• Community awareness campaigns on child rights and education.
• Engagement with caregivers and local stakeholders to strengthen child protection.

Despite challenges such as economic hardship, mobility of street children, and limited household support systems, the project demonstrated positive progress toward improving educational opportunities and social reintegration of vulnerable children.

2. Project Background

Street-connected children in South Sudan face multiple challenges, including poverty, displacement, family separation, child labor, violence, and limited access to education. Many children survive on the streets without adequate protection, exposing them to exploitation, abuse, substance misuse, and criminal activities.

The project was designed to address these challenges by providing inclusive educational opportunities and strengthening psychosocial and protection support systems for vulnerable street children. The intervention aimed to support children’s reintegration into learning environments while promoting their dignity, safety, and future opportunities.

3. Project Goal and Objectives

Goal

To improve access to quality education and protection services for 200 street children in South Sudan.

Specific Objectives

1. Increase enrollment and retention of street children in formal and non-formal education.
2. Improve psychosocial well-being and protection of vulnerable children.
3. Strengthen community awareness and support for child rights and education.
4. Promote life skills and social reintegration of street-connected children.

4. Target Beneficiaries

The project directly targeted 200 street-connected children living in urban centers in South Sudan.

Beneficiary Category                                  Target                                          Reached

Boys                                                                 120                                                   120

Girls                                                                    80                                                     80

Children aged 6–12 years                                  90                                                      90

Children aged 13–17 years                               110                                                    110

Total Direct Beneficiaries                                   200                                                    200

Indirect beneficiaries included caregivers, teachers, community leaders, and local child protection structures.

5. Activities Implemented

5.1 Identification and Registration of Street Children

Project staff conducted outreach activities in markets, bus parks, streets, and informal settlements to identify vulnerable street-connected children. Registration and vulnerability assessments were completed in coordination with local authorities and child protection actors.

Achievements

• 200 vulnerable children identified and registered.
• Child profiles and individual support plans developed.
• Referral pathways established for protection cases.

5.2 School Enrollment and Reintegration

The project supported children’s enrollment into formal schools and non-formal learning centers. Coordination meetings were held with school administrations to facilitate admission and retention.

Achievements

• 200 children enrolled in educational programs.
• School fees and learning support provided.
• Regular attendance monitoring conducted.

5.3 Distribution of Educational Materials

Educational materials were distributed to support learning continuity and reduce barriers to school participation.

Materials Distributed

• School uniforms
• Exercise books
• Pens and pencils
• School bags
• Mathematical sets
• Hygiene supplies

Achievements

• 200 children received complete scholastic kits.
• Improved classroom participation and attendance observed.

5.4 Psychosocial Support and Counselling

The project provided psychosocial support through individual counselling, group sessions, recreational activities, and mentorship.

Achievements

• Counseling sessions conducted for vulnerable children.
• Recreational and peer-support activities organized.
• Improved emotional well-being and confidence reported among participants.

5.5 Community Awareness and Child Protection Campaigns

Community awareness campaigns were conducted to promote child rights, education, and the protection of vulnerable children.

Topics Covered

• Importance of education
• Prevention of child abuse and exploitation
• Child protection and safeguarding
• Positive parenting and family support

Achievements

• Community dialogues conducted in targeted areas.
• Increased community awareness on child protection issues.
• Strengthened collaboration with local leaders and stakeholders.

5.6 Life Skills and Vocational Orientation

Older children and adolescents participated in life skills sessions focusing on personal development, communication, hygiene, conflict resolution, and future planning.

Achievements

• Life skills sessions conducted for adolescents.
• Increased self-esteem and social interaction among participants.
• Enhanced understanding of personal safety and decision-making.

6. Project Achievements and Results

Indicator                                                                         Target                                     Achieved

Street children identified and registered                             200                                           200

Children enrolled in school                                                 200                                           200

Children receiving scholastic materials                              200                                            200

Counselling sessions conducted                                          20                                               20

Community awareness sessions were conducted               10                                                10

Caregivers/community members reached                          500                                             520

Key Results

• Increased access to education for vulnerable street children.
• Improved school attendance and retention.
• Enhanced psychosocial well-being of beneficiaries.
• Strengthened child protection awareness among communities.
• Increased stakeholder collaboration on child welfare issues.

7. Challenges Encountered

The project faced several implementation challenges, including:

1. High Mobility of Street Children Some children frequently moved between locations, affecting follow-up and consistent attendance.
2. Economic Hardship Extreme poverty among families and caregivers limited children’s ability to remain in school without continuous support.
3. Limited Family Support Some children lacked stable family environments or caregiver support.
4. Security and Protection Concerns Urban insecurity and exposure to violence posed risks to vulnerable children.
5. School Retention Challenges Some children required additional mentorship and psychosocial support to adapt to structured learning environments.

8. Mitigation Measures

To address implementation challenges, the project adopted the following measures:

• Strengthened community outreach and follow-up mechanisms.
• Increased engagement with caregivers and community leaders.
• Coordinated referrals with child protection partners.
• Conducted regular attendance monitoring and counseling.
• Promoted peer mentorship and child-friendly activities.

9. Lessons Learned

Several lessons emerged during implementation:

• Community involvement is essential for successful reintegration of street children.
• Psychosocial support significantly improves school retention and child well-being.
• Flexible learning approaches help children transition into formal education.
• Collaboration with schools and local authorities strengthens sustainability.
• Continued family and caregiver engagement improves child protection outcomes.

10. Sustainability Measures

The project promoted sustainability through:

• Strengthening collaboration with schools and local authorities.
• Building community awareness on child protection and education.
• Supporting local child protection structures.
• Encouraging caregiver participation in children’s education.
• Linking vulnerable children to existing social support services.

11. Success Story

A New Beginning for Peter

Peter, a 13-year-old boy, had spent over two years living on the streets after losing contact with his family during displacement. He survived by collecting plastic bottles and performing casual work in local markets.

Through the project outreach activities, Peter was identified and enrolled in a non-formal learning program. He received school supplies, counselling support, and mentorship. Over time, Peter regained confidence, improved his literacy skills, and expressed interest in continuing formal education.

Today, Peter regularly attends classes and actively participates in school activities. His story demonstrates how access to education and psychosocial support can transform the lives of vulnerable street-connected children.

12. Conclusion

The “Educate 200 Street Children in South Sudan” project made significant progress in improving educational access, psychosocial well-being, and protection of vulnerable street children. The project successfully enrolled and supported 200 children through education, counselling, and community engagement interventions.

Despite operational challenges, the intervention contributed positively to restoring hope, dignity, and opportunities for vulnerable children living in difficult circumstances. Continued investment in child education and protection programs remains essential to ensuring sustainable social reintegration and long-term development outcomes for street-connected children in South Sudan.

13. Recommendations

1. Expand educational and psychosocial support programs for vulnerable children.
2. Strengthen family tracing and reunification efforts.
3. Increase livelihood support for vulnerable households.
4. Enhance partnerships with schools and child protection actors.
5. Continue community sensitization on child rights and protection.
6. Mobilize additional resources to scale up interventions for street-connected children.

• Educate_200_street_children_in_South_Sudan._66959_Project_Progress_Narrative_Report_May_2026.pdf (PDF)