The Power of Education in Conflict Zones
In the heart of East Africa, where the scars of conflict still shape the lives of millions, education stands as one of the most powerful tools for healing and transformation.
For the youth of South Sudan—especially those in Juba—education is not merely a pathway to employment or personal advancement. It is a declaration of hope, a refusal to be defined by war, displacement, or poverty. It is a quiet but radical act of resistance against the forces that have tried to silence them.
The PASS Scholarship was born from this belief: that every young South Sudanese deserves the chance to learn, to grow, and to lead. In regions where schools are bombed, teachers are scarce, and classrooms are improvised under trees, PASS steps in not just with financial support, but with a commitment to dignity. We do not simply fund education; we invest in futures that might otherwise be lost to the chaos of conflict.
Juba, the capital of South Sudan, remains a place of both pain and promise. Political instability, economic hardship, and displacement have made education a luxury for many. Yet in the midst of these challenges, young people continue to dream. They walk miles to attend school, study by candlelight, and persevere through trauma that most of the world cannot imagine. Their resilience is not just admirable—it is revolutionary.
Consider the story of Deng, a PASS scholar who grew up in Juba during the height of civil unrest. Orphaned at a young age and forced to flee his home, Deng found refuge in a camp near the Ugandan border. There, he discovered a love for mathematics and a desire to rebuild his country’s infrastructure. Through PASS, Deng received a scholarship to study civil engineering in Kenya. Today, he is preparing to return to South Sudan—not just as a graduate, but as a builder of bridges, both literal and symbolic.
Education in conflict zones does more than teach—it heals. It offers structure in the midst of chaos, community in the face of isolation, and purpose where there was once despair. For many PASS scholars, the classroom becomes a sanctuary, a place where they can reclaim their identities and imagine futures beyond survival. It is where trauma begins to unravel and hope takes root.
Across Uganda, Kenya, and Ethiopia, PASS scholars are thriving. They are studying medicine, law, agriculture, and technology. They are forming networks, sharing ideas, and preparing to return home equipped with the skills needed to rebuild South Sudan. These young people are not just recipients of aid—they are architects of peace, agents of change, and voices for a generation that refuses to be forgotten.
But the journey is not without its challenges. Many students face language barriers, cultural adjustments, and the lingering effects of displacement. PASS provides more than tuition—it offers mentorship, counseling, and a community of support. We walk alongside our scholars, ensuring that they are not just surviving but flourishing. Because we know that healing takes more than books—it takes belonging.
Education also plays a critical role in peacebuilding. When young people are educated, they are more likely to engage in dialogue, advocate for justice, and resist the lure of violence. They become mediators, leaders, and storytellers. PASS scholars are not just learning—they are preparing to lead South Sudan into a new era, one defined not by war, but by wisdom.
The ripple effect of one educated youth is immeasurable. A single PASS scholar can inspire siblings, mentor peers, and influence entire communities. Education multiplies. It spreads through families, villages, and nations. That is why every scholarship awarded is more than a gift—it is a seed planted in the soil of transformation.
As we begin this month of reflection and storytelling, we invite you to share your own journey. Whether you are a current scholar, an alumnus, or a supporter—your voice matters. Together, we can amplify the message that education is not a privilege; it is a right. And in places like Juba, it is a lifeline.
We also encourage readers to nominate students who may benefit from PASS. The application process is open, and we are committed to reaching even more young people in need. Let us extend the circle of opportunity and ensure that no dream is left behind simply because of geography or circumstance.
Thank you for being part of this mission. Whether you are reading this from Juba, Nairobi, Kampala, or Addis Ababa, know that you are part of a growing movement. PASS is not just a scholarship—it is a story of hope, and you are helping write the next chapter.
Together, we are building a future where every South Sudanese child can learn, lead, and thrive.
BY Joseph Gola Lethem,
PASS Scholar, Kenya & Head of Student Coordinators.