Turkish Embassy Scholarships South Sudan have opened a life-changing opportunity for young South Sudanese scholars.
In a country where education faces tremendous challenges, the Embassy of Turkey has extended a lifeline — awarding scholarships to fifteen outstanding students, both refugees and non-refugees, to pursue higher education in Turkey. This marks a hopeful chapter in the nation’s ongoing journey toward empowerment and development.

Turkish Embassy Sends Off 15 Scholarship Winners

In an emotional farewell, the Turkish Embassy in South Sudan bid goodbye to the 15 students selected for the prestigious scholarship program.
Thursday marked the final day for visa processing, signaling the beginning of an incredible academic journey abroad.

“This is not just your personal achievement; it is South Sudan’s achievement,” Turkish Ambassador Erdem Mutaf said during the ceremony.

A New Beginning: Merit-Based Qualification and Campus Distribution

Ambassador Mutaf announced that all fifteen students were chosen based purely on merit, underlining the fairness and competitiveness of the selection.
The students will soon depart for Istanbul, where they will be assigned to different campuses across Turkey under the scholarship program’s directives.

Each student’s journey will begin with an intensive Turkish language course, before proceeding to their chosen faculties across various fields in Science and Arts.

Studying in Turkey: Expectations and Support Systems

Students enrolled under the Turkish Embassy Scholarships South Sudan program will have their academic performance closely monitored.
Those who excel may earn promotions, reflecting Turkey’s commitment to not just access to education but also academic excellence.

Ambassador Mutaf reassured that the Turkish Embassy’s support extends beyond graduation.
“We are investing in you — and we will continue to support you in employment opportunities when you return to South Sudan,” he emphasized.

Overcoming Hardships: Stories of Determination

Among the scholarship recipients, Atif Alsir Barsan, a refugee, shared a moving testimony about the hurdles he faced — from unreliable internet access to financial limitations.
Despite these obstacles, Barsan succeeded through determination, reminding others that dreams are achievable even in the hardest conditions.

“Never let your circumstances define your future,” Barsan told the gathered crowd.

Gender Balance and Ministerial Recognition

South Sudan’s Minister of Higher Education, Gabriel Changson Chang, praised Turkey’s consistent support and emphasized the critical role gender balance plays in educational advancement.
The Minister expressed optimism that Turkey and South Sudan will continue fostering deeper academic collaborations in the years ahead.

“A society educated equally across genders is a society prepared for the future,” Minister Chang stated.

Conclusion: A Partnership for Progress

The Turkish Embassy Scholarships South Sudan program offers far more than education — it offers hope, opportunity, and transformation.
These fifteen scholars represent a new generation equipped to contribute meaningfully to South Sudan’s future development.

As they step onto Turkish soil, they carry not just their personal dreams, but the dreams of a nation striving for a better tomorrow.

SouthSudanOnline.com will continue to follow the inspiring journeys of these scholars and the broader efforts to expand educational opportunities across South Sudan.

Importance of Education for Young Girls

Education experts have emphasized the importance of education for young girls in today’s rapidly changing world. They urge girls in educational institutions to prioritize learning to avoid dependency on others.

Commitment to Learning

During a welcoming ceremony for first-year students at Juba Secondary School, education expert George Kenyi stressed the need for students, especially girls, to commit themselves to learning. He highlighted that education is crucial in securing future employment opportunities and independence.

Challenges Faced by Girls

Kenyi acknowledged the challenges faced by girls, including factors like politics, culture, and economics, which often lead to high dropout rates. He encouraged girls to overcome these obstacles through dedication to their education.

Empowerment through Education

Acquiring a university degree or other educational qualifications can empower women to support their families and make important contributions to society. Education serves as a protective shield in times of domestic issues and enhances respect and admiration from the community.

Responsibility of Male Students

Kenyi also emphasized the role of male students in supporting their female peers and focusing on their own academic success. He urged them to avoid negative behaviors like drug abuse, which can hinder their future prospects.

Adapting to Secondary School Culture

James Lado, the headmaster of Rejaf Secondary School, advised new students to adapt to secondary school culture and engage in extracurricular activities to enhance their academic performance.

Conclusion

Education is a powerful tool that can empower young girls and boys to secure a better future for themselves and their communities. By prioritizing learning and committing to their education, students can overcome challenges and achieve success in a rapidly changing world.

Graduation Ceremony at Hanbit Vocational School

The graduates attending the graduation ceremony at Hanbit vocational school at Dr. John Garang University in Bor, Jonglei State on Monday, February 10, 2025, marked a significant milestone in the development of future agricultural leaders in South Sudan. Seventeen students graduated from the Hanbit Vocational School’s agriculture program, which is supported by the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS). This was the school’s first graduating class from the three-month program.

The Importance of Agricultural Investment

Geetha Pious, head of the UNMISS field office in Jonglei State and GPAA, emphasized the program’s role in developing future agricultural leaders. She stressed the importance of agricultural investment for food security in South Sudan, particularly given recent aid reductions. "South Sudan needs to invest in agriculture to address the hunger issue, especially with the United States cutting aid support. In the coming days, South Sudan needs to produce its own food," she added.

Call to Action for Graduates

Pious urged the graduates to share their newly acquired skills within their communities. "Together we can create and reflect positive change that will help the community. From here, you should be a change maker in our community," she said. Atong Kuol Manyang, deputy governor of Jonglei State, also affirmed the government’s commitment to agricultural investment and appealed to the graduates to contribute to increased production in Jonglei State.

Government Commitment to Agricultural Investment

"The government of South Sudan’s farming policy is to increase production and improve food security. It aims at making agriculture a key industry that contributes to the country’s economic growth and social wellbeing," Manyang stated. He encouraged the graduates to utilize their skills to fight food insecurity, create jobs, and contribute to the economic growth of their state and country.

Gratitude and Encouragement

Makoc Ngong Akol, representing the graduating class, expressed gratitude to the Republic of Korea (ROK HMEC) for their support. "We are very happy with the Republic of Korea for giving us these skills. It will help us in producing food for our communities in Jonglei State and South Sudan at large," Akol said. He encouraged his fellow graduates to apply the skills they gained during the program to make a positive impact in their communities.

Conclusion

The graduation ceremony at Hanbit Vocational School marked an important step towards developing the next generation of agricultural leaders in South Sudan. With the support of the UNMISS and the government’s commitment to agricultural investment, the graduates are well-equipped to contribute to the country’s food security and economic growth. As they embark on their journey, they are encouraged to share their skills and knowledge with their communities, creating positive change and fighting food insecurity in South Sudan.