Learning in Crisis: A Research Agenda to Identify Challenges, Opportunities, and a Path towards Resilience in South Sudan

• In Event: Towards a Coherent, Rigorous and Comprehensive Body of Education Research Evidence for Uptake in Conflict and Crisis Settings

Proposal

Over seven decades of conflict in South Sudan have resulted in severe systemic weaknesses, including weakened civil society, inadequate public services, and no elections or census since gaining independence in 2011. Approximately 9.4 million people, Including 340,000 refugees and 1.9 million IDPs out of a population of 12 million urgently require humanitarian assistance (OCHA, 2023). In 2023, 3.3 million children and adolescents face barriers to education services in South Sudan(OCHA, 2022), with nearly 70% of school-aged children being out of school (UNESCO, 2018). Education, while a pivotal force for change, peacebuilding, and resilience In South Sudan (Watkins, 2021) faces significant systemic challenges. The education system faces extensive school closures, conflict- and climate-Induced displacement, school access and safety problems Including corporal punishment and high rates of GBV, and Insufficient teacher support, among other Issues. Despite these challenges, in 2018 South Sudan unified Its education system under Its first national curriculum. It Is urgent to Investigate whether the current challenges to the system hinder the new curriculum's potential to catalyze positive change.
This study presents the South Sudan country scan conducted by the International Rescue Committee and Forcier Consulting as part of the Education Research in Conflict and Protracted Crisis (ERICC) Programme. The country scan Is a highly participatory process that highlights evidence gaps to build a research agenda whose Implementation directly answers stakeholders' most pressing needs, leading to more evidence Informed policy and practice. The ERICC Country Scan includes:
- A detailed stakeholder mapping to identify key representatives from communities, schools, government, civil society, humanitarian and development communities, donors, , assessing engagement, interest, Influence and priorities.
- A Data Systems Mapping initiative to identify the data being collected, by whom, and for what purposes.
- An in-depth evidence review aimed at understanding the state of access, quality, and continuity of education in South Sudan, and the state of learning, social-emotional development, and wellbeing of South Sudanese children.
- Key Informant Interviews with stakeholders to identify priorities and needs.
- Collaboration with a multi-stakeholder Country Advisory Committee, convening workshops to discuss previous findings and develop a research and policy agenda.

This study promotes the "Power of Protest" by shedding light on the pressing need for collective action to address systemic weaknesses in South Sudan's education sector. Adopting a critical pedagogy perspective and based on a peacebuilding and conflict transformation framework, it challenges existing systemic issues and develops effective strategies for advocacy and practice, to strengthen the country's education system. By examining the challenges and opportunities within the education sector and exploring education's potential to drive state building and democratization, this study contributes to a more resilient and empowered society. The proposed research agenda will pave the way for positive change, emphasizing education's role in empowering individuals and driving progress in the face of injustice. Through collective action and advocacy in the context of ERICC, the present study ultimately aims to foster a more equitable and just educational landscape not only in South Sudan but also beyond its borders.

Authors

• Ioanna Wagner Tsoni, Forcier Consulting

• Nicholas James Wilson, Forcier Consulting

• Elifrida Japhet Twalihi, International Rescue Committee

• Thomas Fedlu Hussien, International Rescue Committee