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South Sudan

Mary’s Meals supports more than 81,000 children every school day in South Sudan

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Where we work

Life in South Sudan

South Sudan is currently ranked 191 out of 191 countries and territories in the Human Development Index (HDI) and is one of the most under-developed countries on earth.

South Sudan, officially the Republic of South Sudan, is a landlocked country in East-Central Africa which shares borders with six neighbouring countries including Ethiopia to the east, Sudan to the north, Uganda and Kenya to the south, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Central African Republic.

South Sudan became the world’s youngest nation when it gained independence from Sudan, on 9 July 2011. The current economic climate is making life intolerable for the vast majority of people in South Sudan, with 58% of the population being identified as having insufficient food intake (this rises to 67% in Lake States). Almost 70% of the population earn below the International Poverty Line ($2.15 per day).

More than one third of all children under five years old suffer chronic malnutrition and around 2.4 million children of primary school age – around 70% of this age group – are out of school – the highest figure anywhere in the world, and a stark reminder of the need for Mary’s Meals in South Sudan.

A volunteers serves food to children in South Sudan

Mary's Meals in South Sudan

Mary’s Meals has been serving school meals in South Sudan since 2008 (originally in Sudan). 

We work with two partners, the Diocese of Rumbek and Mary Help Association.

Together, we are reaching more than 81,000 children in over 120 places of education every school day.

Related Articles

Children in South Sudan

Stop Child Hunger

The current global hunger crisis is undeniable and in South Sudan – the world’s poorest country – conflict, climate shocks and poor economic conditions have left millions of people in need of food aid. Mary’s Meals is working with local partners and communities to ensure children can receive a meal every school day while they learn. Education cannot wait.
 Read more about Stop Child Hunger
Momo, a school pupil from Liberia being served Mary's Meals in his place of education.

World Food Day

This World Food Day, we celebrate food changing the story for more than 2.2 million children enrolled in our school feeding programme.
Read more about World Food Day
When did we start working in South Sudan?

We have been working in South Sudan since 2008 (formerly Sudan).

How many children do we feed in South Sudan?

We serve school meals to more than 81,000 children in over 120 schools.

What meal do we provide?

A typical school meal consists of maize or sorghum and beans.

Where are we based/where do we operate?

Our programme operates in the Lakes and Warrap states and in remote areas of the Bahr el Ghazal and Central Equatoria states of South Sudan.

What is the capital of South Sudan?

The capital city of South Sudan is Juba.

What language(s) is spoken in South Sudan?

English is the official language of South Sudan. More than 60 indigenous languages are also spoken.

What currency is used in South Sudan?

The South Sudanese pound (SDG).

What is the population of South Sudan?

The population of South Sudan is 10,997,000.