The Council of Ministers has allocated over 105 million South Sudanese Pounds to the Students Support Fund, a significant step aimed at cushioning disadvantaged students.
This decision was made during a cabinet meeting on Friday chaired by President Mayardit. The long-awaited Student Support Fund bill was also passed during the meeting.
Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Minister of Information Michael Makuei Lueth announced the allocation of funds and provided details regarding the budget.
“The Minister of Higher Education has presented a budget of 105,250,081 South Sudanese pounds for this fund, which has been approved for this year,” stated Makuei.
The Students Support Fund aims to provide welfare opportunities for students enrolled in public universities, particularly those from less-privileged backgrounds. The fund will assist these students with accommodation, meals, healthcare, sanitation materials, and tuition fees, enabling them to continue their studies.
“It is primarily designed to support vulnerable students in universities and higher learning institutions. The fund will cater to the needs of disadvantaged students, including accommodation, meals, healthcare, sanitation materials, and tuition fees,” explained Makuei.
He emphasized that the fund is targeted specifically at students from vulnerable families, and eligibility for support will be determined based on agreed-upon criteria.
While the government will fund the Students Support Fund, he added that additional sources, such as donations and fundraising efforts, will also contribute to its sustainability.
The establishment of the Students Support Fund is mandated under Chapter 4 of the 2018 peace accord. This provision, outlined in the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan, calls for the creation of new institutions, including the Students Support Fund.
Previously known as the National Students Welfare Bill 2019, the bill had been previously presented to the Council of Ministers and has now been passed.