South Sudan
Total population: 12.2 million
Total population under 18: 5.9 million
Children affected by conflict: 1.4 million
Number of War Child projects in 2017: Four
Number of implementing partner organisations: One
Number of partners providing funding: Four
Total child participants: 12,276 (6,657 girls and 5,619 boys)
Total adult participants: 17,658 (8,789 women and 8,869 men)
Why We’re There
The people of South Sudan continue to live with the fear and uncertainty resulting from armed conflict. The internal conflict which broke out in December 2013 initially saw some 2.3 million people displaced. A peace agreement between the country’s warring ethnic factions was negotiated in 2015 - but sporadic clashes between government forces and armed groups have continued.
This violence has seen a large flow of refugees seek safety in neighbouring countries - more than two million South Sudanese have taken refuge in Ethiopia, Sudan, Uganda and Kenya.
This ongoing conflict has resulted in the breakdown of structures essential for protecting children from harm. The country’s education system is particularly fragile - nearly one in every three schools in South Sudan has been either destroyed, damaged or occupied by armed forces.
These children - and many others - are denied their right to protection and face significant threats to their safety. These threats include forced displacement, child labour, sexual abuse and recruitment into armed groups.
What We Do
War Child Holland's programmes in South Sudan are designed to help children cope with the immediate and long-term consequences of conflict and build vital skills - both for themselves and their country’s future.
Our projects combine education and vocational training, psychosocial support and child protection activities to enhanced effect. We utilise participatory and empowering approaches in all our projects. To support this process, War Child also works with parents and caregivers, teachers, community leaders, national and international partner organisations and government officials.
This ‘community-based approach’ places children at the centre of our work - and helps build their strength and resilience.
Our Projects
South Sudan Joint Response 2 and 3:
Project to improve the protection and psychosocial wellbeing of vulnerable conflict-affected children in Bor, Jonglei State and Malakal, Upper Nile State. Child protection and food security initiatives play a key role in this project.
Building Sustainable Futures:
This project combines education, vocational training, protection and psychosocial support to equip children and young people with the skills and knowledge to create their own opportunities for a positive future.
Community-Based Child Protection and Psychosocial Support:
Project designed to improve the quality of child protection and psychosocial support services provided by local actors.