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