The Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) on Friday handed over Wedwiel Primary School in Aweil West County to the Northern Bahr el-Ghazal State Government following a $250,000 upgrade aimed at improving education standards in the state.
The project included the construction of four new classrooms, a new administration block, and the rehabilitation of two existing eight-classroom blocks. Additional facilities such as gender-segregated latrines, including those accessible for children with disabilities, and rainwater harvesting systems were also installed.
The upgraded school is expected to serve returnees from Sudan, Sudanese refugees, and the local host community, addressing the increased demand for education infrastructure due to the influx of people fleeing conflict in Sudan.
“This school stands as a testament to our unwavering commitment to education. It is crucial that we ensure access to education for all, as it shapes the future of our children and contributes to the prosperity of our society,” said Akoon Diing Angok, Northern Bahr el-Ghazal State Education Minister.
He expressed gratitude to the NRC and other education partners for their support and emphasized the importance of community involvement in maintaining the facility.
Mercy Gitau, NRC Area Manager, highlighted the organization’s focus on inclusivity. “We constructed this school to accommodate returnees, refugees, and the host community. The new facilities, including classrooms and latrines, are designed to meet the needs of all students, including girls and children with disabilities,” she said.
Gitau urged parents to enroll their children and called on local leaders to ensure the facilities are well-maintained.
The project, completed in three months, marks a significant step in strengthening local education infrastructure.