Bridging the Sanitation Gap: How Capital Expense Funds Transformed School Sanitation and Inclusion

The Girls’ Education South Sudan (GESS) Programme continues to transform education in South Sudan by promoting access, retention, and completion for all learners. Beyond classroom learning, GESS addresses barriers that hinder quality education, including poor school infrastructure. 

 In 2024, GESS introduced Capital Expense Funds (Capex) in four schools in Central Equatoria State, three of which were in Juba. Unlike ordinary capitation grants that schools manage directly for a range of activities, Capex funds are allocated strictly to tangible infrastructure improvements, such as classrooms, furniture, libraries, and hygiene and sanitation facilities.  

 Implementation is managed by the GESS implementing partners, known as State Anchors, on behalf of the schools, while schools oversee progress. 

Rajaf Secondary School was among the first beneficiaries of this pilot, and the intervention could not have come at a better time. According to Mr Ladu Peter, the Head Teacher, 

 “We encountered untold difficulties when the only latrine our students shared with Juba Day Secondary School collapsed. The community also relied on it, so it filled up quickly. Our students were forced to go to nearby households or return home, often not coming back for lessons.” 

 The sanitation crisis at the school created severe health risks, disrupted learning, and particularly affected girls and learners with disabilities. The school lacked sufficient resources to rebuild, as limited parental contributions could barely cover teachers’ incentives. 

Hope was restored when Mr Juliuos Ebam, GESS Team Leader for Central Equatoria State, informed the school that USD 14,315 had been allocated from the Capex Fund. After consultations, the school prioritised the construction of a five-stance inclusive pit latrine and installation of an electricity power supply. Schools go through a rigorous process of presenting school needs, including budgets, before approval for the funds. Rajaf Secondary School is one of the few secondary schools in the locality, thereby attracting several learners. 

 After receiving the funds, the school commenced the construction of the much-needed latrine with oversight from the GESS State Anchor. 

The new facility includes: 

• One room specially designed for learners with disabilities 

• Two stances for girls 

• Two stances for boys 

• One stance for teachers 

 For the first time, Rajaf Secondary School had a facility that was safe, inclusive, and dignified for all learners. 

 Mr Ladu Peter, the Head Teacher, remarked: “The construction of the latrine has given our school a new face. For the first time, we have a facility inclusive of learners with disabilities. And with our new power connection, we no longer struggle with exam printing or endure the office heat.” 

 The Deputy Head Teacher, Mr Emmanuel Yona, added: “Previously, we depended on parents’ contributions, which were never enough. With GESS support, our students now learn in a healthier environment. We still need a kitchen, library, and computer benches, but this has lifted a huge burden.” 

 A student leader shared, “Girls feel more comfortable staying in school now because we have our own latrine. Before, many were embarrassed and would go home — some never returned.” 

 The story of Rajaf Secondary School highlights the transformative potential of targeted infrastructure investment. Across South Sudan, many schools still face challenges of inadequate or non-existent latrines, limiting girls’ attendance and inclusion of learners with disabilities. This pilot demonstrates that with the right support, schools can overcome systemic barriers, promote gender equity, and improve learning outcomes. 

Today, Rajaf Secondary School stands as a model of positive change — proof that simple, well-targeted interventions can restore dignity, health, and hope in the education system. 

 The GESS programme is funded 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 the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA). 

Read about GESS capitation grants here: https://girlseducationsouthsudan.org/activity/capitation-grants/

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