Raja, Western Bahr el Ghazal State – May 22, 2026- The Community Empowerment for Progress Organization (CEPO), in partnership with the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), officially handed over Ere Primary School to the community of Era Payam in Raja County under the Quick Impact Project (QIP) Cycle 2024–2025.
The construction of Ere Primary School marks a historic milestone for the people in Payam, as it is the first school ever established in the area. For many years, school-age children were forced to study under trees due to the absence of proper learning facilities. With the completion of the new school, children will now have access to classrooms and a more conducive learning environment.
Omer Habaib, the youth representative, welcomed the handover of Ere Primary School and called on young people to value education, support the school, and use it as a tool for community development. He also requested the introduction of adult education programs to expand access to learning opportunities in the area.
UNMISS Representative in his remarks, this is a formal handover ceremony & inaugurate of Eri Primary School, constructed through a UNMISS-funded Quick Impact Project implemented by the Community Empowerment for Progress Organization (CEPO).
He highlighted the areas of challenge, including displacement since 2016, the increased demand for basic services caused by returning populations and refugees, and the lack of adequate educational facilities, with some children previously studying under trees. The project delivered three classrooms, an administrative office, a store, and latrine facilities. The new school is expected to directly benefit approximately 600 pupils by improving access to quality education, reducing school dropout rates, and supporting the return and reintegration of displaced communities.
UNMISS thanks CEPO, local authorities, and community members for their collaboration in making the project a success. The State Ministry of Education was thanked and encouraged to ensure the school’s sustainability by deploying qualified teachers and support staff. Community efforts, including the production of bricks for the construction of additional classrooms, were also recognized.
He highlighted the importance of education in promoting peace, development, and long-term community resilience, while acknowledging ongoing UNMISS support for educational initiatives across the region.
Speaking during the handover ceremony, Mr. Robo Steven, CEPO Regional Office Coordinator in Wau and the implementing partner of the Quick Impact Project, highlighted several challenges that delayed the project’s completion. “This project was initially expected to be completed within six months and handed over last year. However, several challenges affected implementation,” he said, one of the major obstacles was the remote location of the construction site, which is far from commercial centers and basic supplies. “The site is so remote that even a single nail could not be purchased nearby,” he explained.
He also noted that the project suffered a tragic setback when one of the workers involved in the construction lost his life during the implementation period. Despite these challenges, Mr. Steven expressed gratitude to UNMISS for its financial and technical support and thanked the local community, especially traditional leaders, for welcoming and supporting the development initiative.
“As the implementing partner, CEPO is proud to hand over this school through UNMISS to the community and local chiefs. This project represents a significant investment of approximately USD 49,500 and stands as a historic achievement for the people of Era Payam,” he said.
He urged the community to take good care of the school, describing it as a symbol of progress and a landmark development for future generations. He also revealed that some soldiers stationed in the area had expressed willingness to volunteer and assist with teaching activities.
Mr. Steven further called upon the Ministry of General Education and Instruction at the state level to deploy qualified and professional teachers to the school to ensure that children receive quality education.
Community members welcomed the handover of the school, describing it as a transformative development that will improve access to education and create new opportunities for children in the area.
The completion of Ere Primary School demonstrates the positive impact of collaboration between local organizations, communities, and international partners in expanding access to essential services in remote parts of South Sudan.
