Improved access to high-quality education.
Directly involved: 21 elementary school in the diocese with 17.559 enrolled pupils (10.615 boys and 6.944 girls) and 4 secondary schools with 1.430 enrolled pupils (1.016 men and 414 women). Indirectly involved: 76 schools in the project area with a population of 54.780 (34.710 men and 20.570 women).
The inhabitants of the Rumbek diocese are mostly Dinka, who mainly lead a nomadic lifestyle. Ongoing fighting in South Sudan has forced 4 million people to flee their homes. Human rights violations are omnipresent. Displaced people have little access to public services. Children in particular suffer from this conflict, many being recruited by combat units, separated from their parents or suffering abuse. Inter-ethnic conflicts and revenge killings are destroying communities in the region. Children and teachers are often traumatized, which leads to violence in schools. Due to cultural norms and poverty, there is great gender inequality in education access. Parents marry off their daughters to receive dowries and provide for their families. Domestic violence is common in the region. Salaries for public sector employees are paid very inconsistently, forcing trained teachers to seek better employment opportunities. Most of the remaining teachers only have a primary school education.
The Diocese of Rumbek supports people from the local communities of Lakes and Warrap States to improve their lives. For over 40 years, the DOR Education Department has been implementing education projects in collaboration with the local community, government, non-governmental organizations and other faith-based organizations.