I have a message for my parents, teachers and all those involved in education programmes in South Sudan.

As a girl, I am very much concerned about girls’ education in this country.

This was the bold opening of an editorial written by 15-year-old Mary Laku, from Juba Nabari Primary School which has been published in newspapers across the capital.

Mary read her paper on the importance of education for girls to a room full of students at St. Daniel Comboni Secondary School at an event marking World Children’s Day and the conclusion of an essay writing competition about the work of the UN in the conflict-afflicted country.

“Like other girls, I run the risk of being married off too young and then having to stop my education. Please let us stop early and forced marriage and instead focus on education. We are still children and are not ready for marriage. Please let children be children,” reads Mary. 

Mary who wants to be a doctor said that she wanted her message to focus on education because “education is the key to a brighter future”.

The event at St. Daniel Comboni School marked the conclusion of an essay writing competition for 10 secondary schools in Juba on the topic “Does the UN make an impact in your community?’ organized by the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) in partnership with the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and the UN Association in South Sudan (UNASS).

 “We decided to hold this essay writing competition for World Children’s Day to celebrate children and help them fulfil their potential,” said Geetha Pious, UNMISS Head of Field Office in Juba.

Each of the ten schools was represented by 20 students.

Following an assessment by five panelists, Juba Day Secondary School came in third place, Juba Commercial Secondary School in second place and St. Daniel Comboni Secondary School emerged as the winners of the writing competition held in memory of Dag Hammarskjöld, the second Secretary-General of the United Nations.

 “I am excited that our school is the host of today’s event and that we are the winners. It gives me great pride,” said 18-year-old, John Jada, Head Boy at St. Daniel Comboni.

“We did our research on the work of the United Nations in South Sudan and we worked as a team. When we did not know a word we asked our teachers or checked the dictionary,” he said.

Among other elements, the winning essay described the UN mission’s support to the peace process, efforts to protect civilians seeking sanctuary in protection sites next to UN bases, construction of roads and bridges in the country as well as patrols by UN peacekeepers in Juba and other parts of the country.

“In Juba, people are still being robbed and killed but there has been a big improvement since the UN peacekeepers started doing patrols,” said John Jada.

Speaking at the event, the Jubek State Minister of Health, Dr Francis Ladu, urged the students to continue studying hard.

“If you do not have knowledge, you cannot progress. You are the future leaders. Without education you, cannot lead the country,” said Dr Francis Ladu. 

United Nations World Children’s Day was established in 1954 to promote and celebrate children's rights and improve children’s welfare worldwide. This year, the day was marked under the theme #KidsTakeOver encouraging young people to take over roles in politics, media and business to raise awareness of the challenges they face as a generation.