The programme will focus on providing mobile, community-based education across several states, including Warrap, Northern Bahr el Ghazal, Jonglei, Lakes, and Unity. This initiative is designed to address the significant education gap among nomadic and pastoralist populations by bringing formal and non-formal learning opportunities directly to them.

At the heart of this effort is the establishment of 14 mobile pastoralist education centers. These centers will be equipped with teaching and learning materials and will serve as hubs for delivering the Pastoralist Education Programme (PEP). Each center will reach approximately 80 children, targeting a total of 1,120 out-of-school children across the selected locations. The goal is to ensure that these children have access to foundational education, regardless of their mobility and remote lifestyle.

To support this model, 42 facilitators or teachers will be identified from within the pastoralist communities. These individuals will undergo an initial induction training on the PEP curriculum, followed by enrollment in the Alternative Primary Education Programme for Teachers (APEPT), which spans 12 months. In addition to training, these facilitators will receive monthly financial incentives and ongoing support through regular mentoring visits to ensure effective teaching and retention.

Community mobilization is also a major component of the program. Implementing partners will carry out door-to-door outreach and organize local meetings to raise awareness, identify potential students, and build sustained community support. Coordination with education authorities at state, county, and community levels is essential to ensure smooth implementation and alignment with existing policies and frameworks.

Progress will be measured through a set of clear indicators, including the number of children enrolled, the number of trained facilitators, the establishment and functioning of education centers, and the extent of community engagement activities conducted. Monthly progress reports will be submitted to UNICEF to monitor implementation and outcomes.

To qualify, interested organizations must demonstrate a strong background in delivering education programmes, particularly in rural or marginalized settings. Proposed personnel should have at least five years of relevant experience. Prior collaboration with UN agencies or international NGOs, particularly in similar education projects, will be viewed favorably. Applicants must also have a completed and satisfactory Protection from Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (PSEA) capacity assessment, as UNICEF maintains a strict zero-tolerance policy on such misconduct.

The selected implementing partner will coordinate closely with UNICEF field offices, the Directorate for Alternative Education Systems, and partners such as Save the Children. Participation in state-level education cluster meetings and joint planning efforts will be required to ensure alignment and efficiency across all activities.

This initiative offers a vital opportunity for organizations committed to inclusive education to make a tangible difference in the lives of South Sudan’s pastoralist children. Through targeted support and close community engagement, it aims to bridge the education gap and open up new possibilities for some of the country's most underserved learners.

For more information, visit UN Partner Portal.