Transforming Lives Through the GESS Referral Pathway – Mariam’s Story.

The Girls’ Education South Sudan (GESS) programme has been instrumental in breaking barriers to education, particularly for learners with disabilities (LWD) across the country. One key element of the GESS disability Inclusion component is the referral pathways.  

The referral pathway is where we collaborate with organisations which support disability inclusion, leveraging our nationwide presence and established contacts with schools to link learners to available services, for example, referring them to an organisation that offers assistive devices like wheelchairs for those with physical disabilities, ensuring they receive tailored assistance to thrive in school.  

In Yambio County, Western Equatoria State, this initiative has already transformed the lives of 16 learners with disabilities, including Aniue Mariam, a determined learner at Gemenze Nursery and Primary School. 

Mariam is a learner who faces significant challenges due to her physical disability, often struggling to move. The lack of mobility aid made it difficult for her to attend school regularly, affecting her education and confidence. Her father, Mr Wilson, observed that transportation was their biggest struggle.  

Through the GESS referral pathway, Mariam was connected to the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), which provided her with a wheelchair via the South Sudan Red Cross Yambio Branch. This life-changing support has enabled her to commute to school independently, boosted her confidence and participation in and out of class, and inspired other children with disabilities to return to school. 

Mariam expressed her excitement, “I am proud to be part of the GESS programme. It has empowered children like me across Yambio and Western Equatoria State.” 

 The impact of this intervention extends beyond Mariam and her school; her family and community memebers have all seen the impact of such support to learners with disabilities. Mr Kinaki Emmanuel, Head Teacher of Gemenze Primary School, stated, “We are grateful for GESS’s support in recognising the rights of children with disabilities. The referral pathway has made a real difference in our learners’ lives.”  

Mariam’s father, Mr Wilson, shared his relief and gratitude and pointed out that, “Before, mobility was our biggest challenge. Now, Mariam can go to school with ease and not miss study time!” 

On her part, Mariam vows to continue her education and be a role model for other children with disabilities in her community. 

The GESS referral pathway continues to bridge gaps by linking learners with disabilities to essential services. Mariam’s journey highlights how community engagement and partnerships can create lasting change in our society.  

 GESS continues to work collaboratively with institutions supporting disability inclusion across South Sudan. With such established partnerships, we believe that learners with disabilities can be supported even beyond the life of the Programme.  

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).  

To read more about the impact of the GESS Programme across South Sudan, read some stories here: Stories of Change: Girls’ Education South Sudan. 

Categorised in: Disability Inclusion, Girls' Education, Human Interest Story