Building a School for War-Affected Children

Kodok, once a thriving town in South Sudan’s Upper Nile State, was devastated by the 2013 civil war. Schools, hospitals, and essential infrastructure were destroyed, forcing families to flee. Today, over 7,000 families have returned, many of them living in extreme poverty, without access to basic services. For children—especially girls—education remains out of reach. Poverty, early marriage, household responsibilities, and the lack of nearby schools or qualified teachers all stand in the way.

In response to this urgent need, the Daughters of Mary Immaculate (DMI)—a Catholic congregation founded in India and currently serving six Bomas in the Diocese of Malakal—proposes to build a primary school that will serve 180 children, with a strong emphasis on girls’ enrollment and gender equality. Since arriving in Kodok in 2022, DMI sisters have reached over 950 families with health, education, and emergency support, often traveling by boat or foot to access remote villages. Their work is deeply rooted in a mission of dignity, compassion, and empowerment for the most vulnerable.

This 12-month initiative will result in a new school building with three well-ventilated classrooms, each measuring 8x6 meters and accommodating 30 students. To meet high demand, the school will operate in two shifts—morning and afternoon—serving children from Lower Kindergarten through 4th Standard. The academic program will include English, math, science, social studies, and Christian Religious Education (CRE), alongside sports, life skills, and weekly moral education classes that address issues like early marriage and girls' participation.

Five trained volunteers will serve as teachers, using child-centered, fun-based methodologies designed to engage and inspire students. Parents and local leaders will be actively involved through awareness sessions, regular meetings, and a parent-teacher association, fostering strong community support.

Materials for construction must be transported from Kampala through Juba and Malakal—an expensive and logistically challenging process due to the ongoing conflict. Despite these barriers, DMI is committed to creating a safe, affordable, and accessible school in Kodok. Funding Needed: $80,000 USD

Local Contribution: $4,000 USD

Community Contribution: Labour, Bricks, Time, and Active participation

Total Cost of the Project: 84,000 USD