South Sudan has one of the world’s lowest literacy rates, with more than 70% of adults unable to read or write. In Juba and surrounding communities, many women aged 18 to 40 have missed out on education due to conflict, poverty, early marriage and cultural barriers. Limited literacy restricts their employment opportunities, deepens poverty, and reduces their ability to support their children’s education.
AEE South Sudan is addressing this through an Adult Literacy Program that equips women with essential reading, writing and comprehension skills. Now in its third year, the program is hosted by local churches in Juba. Classes are held three days per week over five months, accommodating up to 50 learners per centre and reaching 250 women annually, with 750 beneficiaries over three years.
Your support can:
- Enable 250 women to learn to read, write and comprehend essential materials
- Strengthen community advocacy for children’s education, especially for girls
- Provide trauma-healing and peacebuilding learning tools
- Equip learners to challenge harmful cultural norms that discourage schooling
- Supply literacy materials, trained facilitators and safe community learning spaces
Learning activities include storytelling, singing, group discussions, debates and presentations which are methods proven to build confidence and improve comprehension. Through improved literacy, women gain the ability to participate fully in community life, support their families and advocate for peaceful coexistence.
This project aligns with national education priorities and complements government efforts to raise adult literacy levels. With the support of local churches, community leaders and partners such as the Bible Society of South Sudan, AEE aims to lift literacy, reduce poverty and expand opportunities for future generations.
By investing in adult education today, you help build stronger families, educated children and a more resilient South Sudan.
Her story:
Maria says the Adult Literacy Program is transforming her community. Before joining the program, she struggled to read medical instructions for her children and relied on others to read the Bible. Now she can read independently, follow doctors’ prescriptions, and support her family with growing confidence. She describes the program as “a light coming into a dark area”, bringing women hope, knowledge and new possibilities. “We love our school very much. It has started changing lives in our community. I can now understand how to give medicine to my children, and I can read the word of God for myself. Please continue teaching us so our eyes, and our children’s eyes, can be opened.”
However, classes are held under a tree, and rain often interrupts lessons. The community is hoping for a simple shelter so learning can continue year‑round.
