The Maridi Girls’ Boarding School for Science was inaugurated last month in Maridi, in the Western Equatoria Region of South Sudan. This special school is the first one of its kind in the country, intended to encourage girls to excel in subjects geared towards careers in health and other science-related professions.
Science school for girls
The school was set up by AMREF with funds from an Italian family in memory of their son, Michele Ricci, who died in a road accident. The school will address a pressing concern for AMREF, which is keen to see more girls attain necessary education to qualify for enrolment in health training institutions. At the Maridi National Health Training Institute, run by AMREF in collaboration with the Government of South Sudan, enrolment of girls is very low, currently below 25 per cent.
The Guest of Honour at the event was the Governor of Western Equatoria, Mr Joseph Bakasoro, who pledged the government’s support for the school. The first enrolment will be of 50 students, 40 of whom will be from West Equatoria and the rest from other states. Other Government officials at the function were Mr Pia Philip Micheal, Minister for Education in Western Equatoria, Mr Yugulle K Lagodial, Minister for Agriculture in the region, and Mr Wilson Thomas, Acting Commissioner for Maridi County.
Speaking on behalf of the family, the late Michele’s mother, Maria Rosa Torriglia, said memories of their son will continue to live through all the girls who pass through the school.
AMREF was represented at the function by AMREF Italy Chairperson Mario Raffaelli, AMREF Italy CEO Tommy Simmons and AMREF South Sudan Country Director George Bhoka.
AMREF is a transparent organisation distributing funds of up to $85 million per year.
