A Decade of Transformation: The Impact of GESS Cash Transfers in South Sudan

In an area that looks like an all-residential area comes the buzzing cheers and singingof school children. Surrounded by banana plantations and trees is Alpha Christian Academy, Nursery and Primary School. Located on the outskirts of Yambio town in Western Equatoria State, the school has semi-permanent structures, with one classroom block having a destroyed wall.

Within the school, there are dusty classrooms, but happy children around the compound. The older children (those in
upper primary) are queuing, ready to receive their cash transfer from Girls’ Education South Sudan (GESS). This is a sight that can be witnessed in nearly all parts of South Sudan during the payment of the GESS cash transfers.

For over a decade, the GESS programme has been a beacon of hope and transformation in a country where education is often a luxury. Since its inception in 2013, GESS has profoundly impacted the lives of many girls, their families, and the
broader community. For the first time since the beginning of the Programme in 2013, boys with disabilities in upper primary benefited from the direct cash during the 2024 payments. The Programme has historically, targeted schoolgirls enrolled in, and regularly attending classes between P5 and S4.

In the early phase of the Programme, many girls in South Sudan faced insurmountable barriers to education. Financial constraints, cultural norms, and the lack of school supplies often forced them not to enrol and drop out. The situation is even worse for children with disabilities who face societal biases towards their education. However, the introduction of GESS cash transfers began to change this narrative. The cash transfers, aimed at alleviating the financial burden on families, enabled girls to afford essential school materials, uniforms, and even school transportation.

One such beneficiary of the GESS cash transfers is Joice Karama, a 21-year-old young woman with a disability from Mundri 2 Primary School in Mundri West, Western Equatoria State. GESS cash transfers provided her with an opportunity to re-enrol in school after dropping out due to financial challenges. “I dropped out of school not because I wanted to, but because too much walking with the help of a stick was a problem for me, the school was extremely far. Sometimes my leg would hurt due to walking and whenever I tell my parents to give me some small money for boda boda (local means of transport using motorbikes), they could say they do not have money to pay for my everyday transport to school.”

Joice’s story is one of many children across South Sudan who continue to face challenges in accessing education and depend entirely on cash transfers to stay in school.

“I heard over Amadi FM (a local radio station), people from GESS talking about registration- that all children should be registered in school, even us disabled (sic) people, and how parents can support their children with disabilities, I was listening to the Programme with my mother. After the radio programme, she told me she would register me again in school and would support me, even though I was the last child to be registered. I am very happy that I got the money, and it has supported me greatly, I was able to buy candles to read for my exams and other scholastic materials. Sometimes I use the money to pay boda boda back home when my leg gets so painful,” Joice adds.

The ripple effects of the GESS programme are evident across South Sudan. Many girls, like Joice, have transitioned from school to employment, contributing to their families’ income and breaking the cycle of poverty. Others have pursued higher
education, enrolling in universities and vocational training institutes, thus broadening their horizons and career prospects. “I was a beneficiary of the GESS cash transfers when I was in Secondary School, but now, I am a graduate of Mass Communication. I am working and helping my parents, it feels good to be able to support my family,” Achol, Former GESS beneficiary.

As mentioned above, in 2024, the GESS programme took a groundbreaking step by extending cash transfers to boys with disabilities. This inclusive move was widely celebrated and had an immediate impact. Boys have previously not been directly targeted by GESS as boys were marginally better off than girls in terms of their access to education. This is because, in a patriarchal society such as South Sudan, males are generally favoured. However, as the protracted crisis continued in the country, boys particularly those with disabilities faced significant challenges in accessing education. The story of Mborikion Geroge, a boy with a physical disability from Yambio, is particularly inspiring. “Receiving the cash transfers means that someone cares about my education. I will encourage all children with disabilities to be in school,” George
speaks wearing a smile. With the support of GESS cash transfers, George can stay in school, and he now dreams of becoming an engineer. His determination has inspired many other children with disabilities to pursue their education.

The GESS programme’s impact extends beyond individual success stories. It has played a crucial role in increasing school enrolment and achieving gender parity in primary schools across South Sudan. By lifting the financial burden off parents, the Programme has made education more accessible and equitable. Families better balance between necessities and their children’s education.

The success of the GESS programme is a testament to the power of targeted financial support in transforming lives and communities. The GESS Programme continues to support children across South Sudan, paving the way for a more educated, empowered, and equitable society.

The GESS programme receives funding through UK aid from the UK Government, the Government of Canada through Global Affairs Canada, the European Union (EU), the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA) and Norway Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Read more about the GESS Programme here: https://girlseducationsouthsudan.org/

Categorised in: Cash Transfers, Disability Inclusion, Human Interest Story