Urgent Appeal: Rebuilding Hope at Ombachi Keliko Primary School in Morobo County

Urgent Appeal: Rebuilding Hope at Ombachi Keliko Primary School

Introduction: A Legacy of Resilience in Crisis
In the heart of South Sudan, Ombachi Keliko Primary School stands as a testament to resilience. Established in 1945, this institution has weathered decades of challenges, including the devastation of the 2016 civil war. Reopened in 2023, the school now faces a critical juncture: over 500 eager learners—74% of them newcomers—are crammed under trees and in crumbling, makeshift structures. Their determination to learn is unwavering, but without urgent intervention, their futures hang in the balance.

A History Interrupted by Conflict
Ombachi Keliko Primary School once symbolized hope for generations of South Sudanese children. However, the 2016 war destroyed its infrastructure, displacing pupils and teachers alike. Though the school reopened last year, the promises of rebuilding have faded. Classrooms remain roofless, walls crumble, and children huddle under scorching sun or torrential rains to study. Despite visits from NGOs and government officials pledging support, no tangible progress has been made.

The Current Crisis: A Generation at Risk
Today, the school’s conditions are dire:

500+ pupils attend classes in open-air “classrooms” or unstable buildings.
74% are newcomers, reflecting a community’s desperate hope for education amid few alternatives.
Teachers juggle overcrowded spaces and limited resources, yet enrollment continues to rise.

Deputy Head Teacher Mr. Barnabas Abui shares:
“Our learners walk miles to learn here. They carry their own stools, brave the elements, and still outperform peers in exams. But how long can passion alone sustain them? We need safe spaces—now.”

Why Immediate Action Matters
Education is a cornerstone of post-conflict recovery. For South Sudan, investing in schools like Ombachi Keliko is not just about infrastructure—it’s about:

Breaking cycles of poverty: Education equips children with skills to rebuild their communities.
Promoting stability: Schools provide safe havens, reducing risks of child labor or early marriage.
Fostering hope: Each classroom built signals to families that peace can yield progress.

Without intervention, dropout rates will surge, and hard-won trust in education will erode.

Call to Action: How You Can Help
The South Sudan Relief Foundation (SSRF) urgently calls on the Government of South Sudan, NGOs, corporations, and global advocates to:

Fund Infrastructure: Renovate existing buildings or construct at least one permanent block.
Provide Resources: Supply desks, learning materials, and teacher training.
Collaborate: Partner with SSRF to ensure swift, transparent project execution.

How to Get Involved:

Donate: to contribute directly to Ombachi Keliko’s revival.
Advocate: Share this story. Tag decision-makers (#RebuildOmbachi) and demand accountability.
Partner: Organizations can email us info@southsudanrelieffoundation.org to coordinate aid efforts.

Conclusion: Education Cannot Wait
Ombachi Keliko’s learners embody courage, but their perseverance alone cannot rebuild walls or shield them from storms. As South Sudan strives for stability, neglecting schools like this risks losing an entire generation to the shadows of conflict.

Let’s act now. Together, we can transform crumbling ruins into classrooms of hope—where every child learns in safety, dignity, and light.

“The scars of war fade when we build futures, not just buildings.”
— South Sudan Relief Foundation
🌍 Learn more: https://southsudanrelieffoundation.org | ✉️ Contact: info@southsudanrelieffoundation.org | 📱 Follow #RebuildOmbachi