South Sudan has marked a historic milestone in higher education with the launch of the country’s first Inclusive Education Resource Centre at the University of Juba.
Speaking at the launch, Lucy Nyaga, International Director Programmes at Light for the World, described the centre as a turning point for inclusive education in South Sudan.
“This launch marks a shift from policy to practice,” she said, adding that the centre demonstrates how partnerships can deliver real change for learners with disabilities. “Inclusive education is not optional it is a right, and today we are seeing that right take shape.”
The resource centre was established under the Multi-Year Resilience Programme implemented in 14 counties and funded by Education Cannot Wait.
The three-year programme is led by Save the Children, with Norwegian Refugee Council and Finn Church Aid as grantees.
The programme focuses on strengthening resilient education systems for vulnerable learners, particularly those affected by conflict and displacement.
Representing organizations of persons with disabilities, Augustino Wudu, President of the Union of Persons with Disabilities, welcomed the centre as the realization of a long-standing dream.
“Disability is not inability,” he said, urging continued investment in skilled human resources such as sign language and Braille instructors to ensure the centre meets the diverse needs of learners with visual, hearing, and mobility impairments.
University leadership reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining the initiative. Vice Chancellor John Akec praised the centre as a proud moment for the institution.
“We are committed to standing firm behind this centre and embedding inclusive practices across the university,” he said, noting that the University of Juba aims to serve as a national model for inclusive higher education.
Civil society actors also hailed the launch as a breakthrough. Edmund Yakani, Executive Director of CEPO, described the centre as “a victory for inclusive education,” emphasizing that it sets a precedent for other universities and training institutes across the country.
On behalf of partners, Christopher Nyamandi stressed that the launch is only the beginning. “Our work does not stop here,” he said, calling for expanded investment, digitalized inclusive resources, and the establishment of additional centres in Maridi, Rumbek, and Malakal.
As South Sudan works to rebuild and strengthen its education system, the Inclusive Education Resource Centre at the University of Juba stands as a powerful symbol of progress—placing equity, dignity, and opportunity at the heart of higher education and affirming a shared commitment to leaving no learner behind.
Officially inaugurated at the university’s main campus in Juba, the centre represents a major step toward ensuring equitable access to learning for students with disabilities and translating national and international commitments on inclusion into practical action.
The initiative is spearheaded by the Ministry of General Education and Instruction and the Ministry of Gender, Child and Social Welfare, in partnership with the University of Juba, Light for the World, and MYRP partners.
Designed to support students and staff with disabilities, the centre provides reasonable accommodation, assistive devices, accessible learning materials, and barrier-free facilities based on universal design.
Its goal is to promote independence, dignity, and self-advocacy while ensuring that disability is not a barrier to academic success.
