As the 2024 Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) summit approaches, the relationship between China and South Sudan continues to deepen, encompassing areas such as infrastructure, trade and also cultural and educational exchanges. These cooperations and exchanges are fostering closer ties and enhancing mutual understanding between the two nations.
China has played a pivotal role in advancing education in South Sudan, supporting the construction of numerous primary and secondary schools and providing nearly 1,000 scholarships for South Sudan's students to study in China. Since the establishment of diplomatic relations, more than 5,000 South Sudan's professionals have received training across various fields, contributing significantly to the country's development.
The educators from China and South Sudan meet to discuss evaluation system for textbook usage in Shanghai, China, 2023. /Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs
A cornerstone of this cooperation is the China-Aided Phase II Technical Cooperation Project of Education, which continues to build on the successes of its first phase. On February 23, 2024, South Sudan announced it would send its third batch of teachers and school managers to China for training under this initiative. The group of 82 education directors, school inspectors and managers left for a one-month training program in Shanghai, marking another milestone in the ongoing educational partnership between the two countries.
Kuyok Abol Kuyok, undersecretary of the Ministry of General Education and Instruction, highlighted the significance of this training, noting that the project has been instrumental in strengthening South Sudan's educational infrastructure. "This is part of the support China is providing for education in South Sudan," Kuyok said while briefing the trainees in Juba before their departure. He added that the first batch of trainees under this project had returned two months ago, and the second batch of 150 teachers and school managers had gone to China for training in November 2023.
Opening Ceremony of the Teacher Training Programme under the China-Aided Phase II Technical Cooperation Project of Education in South Sudan, November 15, 2023. /Chinese Embassy in South Sudan
The second phase of the project involves a comprehensive approach to educational development, including drafting, printing and providing textbooks for primary and secondary schools in South Sudan, organizing capacity-building programs for teachers and educational administrators, developing and providing an evaluation system for textbook usage, and dispatching Chinese teaching personnel to Juba to teach the Chinese language.
Awut Deng Acuil, South Sudan's first female Minister of General Education and Instruction, acknowledged the progress in the country's educational sector with China's support, specifically noting the increase in girls' school enrollment. This achievement is a significant step forward in a country where educational opportunities for girls have historically been limited.
The Chinese Language Learning Center at Juba Secondary School exemplifies the growing cultural exchange between the two nations. Supported by Chinese teaching experts, the center offers South Sudan's students a unique opportunity to explore Chinese language and culture. The enthusiasm for learning Chinese is evident across the capital, with many locals now greeting Chinese visitors with "Nihao" ("Hello") and "Zhongguo" ("China").
28-year-old Joseph Abubakar, learning Chinese at the Chinese Language Learning Center, in Juba, South Sudan. /Xinhua
The center has also changed lives, as in the case of 27-year-old Lina Luka, who secured a job as an assistant at a Chinese trading company after learning Chinese. "I now earn 300 US dollars a month. I never had such a high income before. Learning Chinese has completely changed my life," she says. Similarly, 28-year-old Joseph Abubakar found work at a Chinese shop in Juba after starting to learn Chinese two years ago, stating, "Due to the slow economic development of the country, it is very difficult for young people to find jobs in the capital. Learning Chinese has opened a door to employment for us."
Chinese Ambassador to South Sudan Ma Qiang has observed firsthand the resilience of the South Sudan's people during his visits to nearly half of the country's states. He believes that as China continues to facilitate travel and exchange, the ties between the peoples of China and South Sudan will only grow stronger, fostering a sense of kinship. This deepening connection is expected to be a key focus at the upcoming FOCAC Summit, where cultural exchange will likely be highlighted as a pillar of China-Africa relations.
Capacity building remains a priority in China-South Sudan cooperation. In 2023 alone, over 300 South Sudan's government officials and professionals participated in short-term training programs in China, covering fields such as economy, trade, agriculture, education, medical care and technology. These efforts are part of a broader strategy under FOCAC and the Global Civilization Initiative, aimed at supporting Africa's development through knowledge and skills transfer.
Ambassador Ma recently reaffirmed China's commitment to furthering human resource development in South Sudan, announcing plans to conduct five bilateral training courses and several multilateral programs in the coming year. These initiatives are expected to be reinforced during the FOCAC summit, where discussions on education and cultural exchange will play a central role.