Malakal, South Sudan – August 4, 2025

Malakal’s education system is collapsing under the weight of displacement and conflict, leaving thousands of children without access to schooling. The influx of over 572,000 returnees and refugees since April 2023 has overwhelmed local infrastructure, with many schools in Upper Nile State closed or repurposed as shelters. Distance to schools is a primary reason for dropouts, according to a REACH assessment.

“Children are out of school, roaming the streets,” said Peter Deng, a local teacher. “Without education, they face a lost future.” The UN estimates 17 million children nationwide are out of school, with Malakal among the hardest hit. Girls face additional risks, including child marriage and sexual exploitation, further limiting their access to education.

UNHCR is supporting education programs, including classroom construction and teacher training, but funding is critically low. The 2025 Humanitarian Response Plan seeks $150 million for education in South Sudan, yet only 10% is funded. Aid groups urge donors to prioritize Malakal’s children to prevent a generational catastrophe.