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Solidarity Teacher Training College (Yambio)

Envision a thatched roof rustling in the breeze, frayed from both intense sun and intense rains. Beneath it, a classroom—wooden benches worn smooth and a sea of wide eyes and youthful faces. A teacher paces, chalk in hand, keeping order and encouraging the older children to assist some of the younger ones. Students share everything from books to slates to chalk. Supplies often run low, but the desire to learn is strong.

A single teacher may manage dozens—sometimes over 80 students at once—with little more than a chalkboard and determination. With one of the lowest literacy rates in the world, the need for skilled educators in the nation of South Sudan is urgent. A well-prepared and dedicated pool of new teachers is critical to ensuring the future success of the region's next generation.

Friends in Solidarity is committed to supporting this positive change in South Sudan.

Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it.

Proverbs 22:6

At Solidarity Teacher Training College (STTC) in Yambio, educators gain the skills to bring structure, patience, and opportunity into schools like these.

Established in 2008, STTC was founded with a bold vision: to equip teachers with the skills, confidence, and passion to transform education across South Sudan. Today, over 800 graduates are making that vision a reality, bringing quality education to students who might otherwise be left behind.

Notably, many graduates choose to stay and teach in their communities and use their training to strengthen schools in ways that ripple far beyond the classroom. Their impact is recognized nationwide, showing that with the right teacher, any space can become a place of learning and beacon of hope.

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Graduates since 2013

Graduates Employed in the Region
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female students

Investing in the Future of South Sudan

First-ever majority female cohort – 22 women and 19 men enrolled in the latest class.
80+ students per classroom—STTC-trained teachers are meeting the growing demand for quality education.
Only 65% adult illiteracy in the region—STTC is actively working to change this.
Only 8.1% of government spending goes to education—STTC is bridging the gap.
Cultural exchange events unite students across ethnic backgrounds, fostering peace through education.

STTC offers multiple pathways for educators at different stages of their journey, ensuring that every participant has access to high-quality training and mentorship:

Pre-Service Learning

The Pre-Service Teacher Training Program at STTC provides a rigorous two-year, full-time certification program, equipping future educators with the skills, knowledge, and confidence to lead classrooms effectively.

Graduates leave not only with a recognized qualification but also with the tools to transform learning environments, ensuring more children have access to quality education in communities where trained teachers are scarce.

In-Service Learning

Many of South Sudan’s teachers enter classrooms without formal training, relying on their own schooling experiences to guide their students. The In-Service Teacher Training Program at STTC provides a flexible, evening and weekend-based certification path for practicing teachers, allowing them to enhance their skills without leaving their students behind.

By earning formal qualifications while continuing to teach, educators are better equipped to improve student outcomes, strengthen schools, and contribute to South Sudan’s growing education sector.

Diploma Program

The Diploma Program at STTC offers advanced training for experienced teachers, preparing them for leadership and mentorship roles within schools and education systems. Through specialized coursework and professional development, participants gain deeper expertise in pedagogy, school management, and curriculum development.

Graduates go on to strengthen education at a systemic level, mentoring new teachers, improving school administration, and ensuring that quality learning reaches more students across South Sudan.

For the first time in STTC’s history, female enrollment has surpassed male enrollment. The latest cohort of diploma students welcomed 22 women and 19 men, marking a significant step forward in gender parity in education. This is impactful because as data shows when more women become teachers, more girls stay in school. In a country where many young girls face barriers to education, having female role models in the classroom makes all the difference.

STTC remains committed to ensuring that every future teacher—regardless of gender—has the resources, mentorship, and encouragement needed to succeed. We are proud to support the development of South Sudan's future educators who will go on to teach and inspire countless other students across the country.

Zakia John, 29, in-service diploma student

STTC Graduate Isaac Dumba Leju, 28, teaching at M-3 Modern Nursery, Primary and Secondary School, Juba

STTC Graduate, Emmanuel James Mario Karuyo - Riimenze-1-4

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Stories of Change

Meet Bingo Louis, STTC Graduate and Educator

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Partner Spotlight

Friends in Solidarity (FiS) is the U.S.-based partner of Solidarity with South Sudan (SwSS), supporting its mission to provide education, healthcare, pastoral formation, and agricultural training across the country. SwSS unites priests, brothers, sisters, and lay professionals to equip teachers, nurses, midwives, and faith leaders, ensuring even remote communities have access to vital services.

Through a capacity-building model, SwSS empowers South Sudanese citizens with the skills to rebuild their nation. FiS strengthens these efforts by raising awareness and securing resources to sustain this work.