Plan International South Sudan Launches Ambitious 5-Year Country Strategy (2025-2030)

By Wek Atak Kacjang

On Thursday, Plan International South Sudan officially launches its new five-year country strategy, spanning from 2025 50 20230 . This bold and visionary plan aims to empower 5 million women and children across the country through a comprehensive approach that focuses on education, protection from violence, youth leadership, and economic empowerment. The strategy represents a significant step forward in addressing the persistent challenges faced by vulnerable populations in South Sudan.

Hussein Abdelbagi Akol, the Minster of Agriculture and Food Security, stated that the strategy to ensure the safety, dignity, and empowerment of children and youth, with a focus on ending harmful practices and helping young people access economic opportunities, will contribute to national development.

Meanwhile, Angela Muriithi, Plan International’s Director for the Sub-Region of the Middle East, North Africa, and the Horn of Africa, emphasized the importance of a collective vision for South Sudan. She believes that children, adolescent girls, and youth should not just be beneficiaries, but active agents of transformative change, shaping their lives for the betterment of their community and their countries.

Empowering Through Education

Education lies at the heart of Plan International South Sudan’s new strategy. Recognizing the transformative power of learning, the organization commits to increasing access to quality education for girls and boys alike. The plan includes initiatives to improve school infrastructure, provide learning materials, and train teachers to create inclusive and supportive classrooms. Special attention will be given to ensuring that girls, who are often marginalized in educational settings, have equal opportunities to succeed.

By investing in education, Plan International aims to build a foundation for long-term social and economic development, equipping young people with the skills needed to thrive and contribute positively to their communities.

Protecting Women and Children from Violence

South Sudan continues to face significant challenges related to violence, including domestic abuse, gender-based violence, and conflict-related trauma. Plan International’s strategy prioritizes safeguarding women and children from such violence through community awareness programs, strengthened protective services, and advocacy for stronger legal frameworks.

The organization plans to work closely with local authorities, community leaders, and partners to create safe environments where children and women can live free from fear. Initiatives will include psychosocial support and rehabilitation services for survivors, ensuring their recovery and reintegration.

Fostering Youth Leadership

The new strategy highlights the critical role of young people as agents of change. Plan International South Sudan aims to nurture youth leadership that empowers young women and men to take active roles in their communities and at the national level.

Through leadership training, mentorship programs, and platforms for civic engagement, the organization will help build a generation of confident, informed, and motivated youth leaders. This focus on youth intends to foster social cohesion and drive innovative solutions to the country’s ongoing challenges.

Promoting Economic Empowerment

Economic empowerment forms another key pillar of the strategy. Plan International endeavors to enhance the livelihoods of women and children by promoting access to vocational training, financial literacy, and income-generating opportunities.

Special programs will focus on building entrepreneurial skills and facilitating market access, particularly for women who often face economic exclusion. By improving economic independence, the strategy aims to reduce poverty and increase resilience among vulnerable populations.

A Vision for Sustainable Change

Plan International South Sudan’s 2025-2030 strategy embodies a holistic vision for creating lasting change. By targeting education, protection, leadership, and economic empowerment in an integrated manner, the plan seeks to uplift millions of women and children and help pave the way towards a more equitable and prosperous future for the nation.

As this ambitious strategy unfolds, collaboration with government agencies, local communities, and international partners will be crucial to achieving its goals and making a meaningful difference in the lives of South Sudan’s most vulnerable populations.