Testimonies: Restoring access to Safe Water in schools in Malakal, South Sudan

In 2026, an estimated 6.8 million people – more than half of the population – have insufficient or no access to safe water in South Sudan. 

In Malakal, Upper Nile State, access to clean water is particularly challenging in a context marked by conflict, displacement, overstretched infrastructure, and limited underground water resources. Since the outbreak of conflict in neighbouring Sudan in April 2023, more than 1.3 million refugees and returnees have crossed into South Sudan, with the majority arriving in Upper Nile State. The influx has placed additional pressure on already limited basic services, including water supply. 

Many households continue to rely on unsafe or seasonal water sources, increasing the risk of waterborne diseases such as acute watery diarrhea, hepatitis E, and typhoid. Children are among the most affected. 

Through these testimonials, teachers and pupils share how access to safe water has improved health, wellbeing, and learning at Good Shepherd Primary School, in Malakal. 

“Once children are sick, they cannot concentrate” 

Achol Gieth Chuol Kiir, Good Shepherd Primary School, 12th May 2026  

Before SOLIDARITÉS INTERNATIONAL’s intervention, finding safe drinking water for pupils and teachers at Good Shepherd Primary School was a daily challenge. English and Science teacher Achol Gieth Chuol Kiir often had no choice but to buy water from vendors or rely on untreated river water. 

The consequences were severe: contaminated water regularly affected the health of teachers and pupils, leading to absenteeism and impacting concentration in the classroom. 

“I remember one day I had an exam to set, but due to sickness, I missed it and the pupils were affected by my absence,” recalls Achol. “I suffered a stomach problem because I drank contaminated water. I spent a lot of money in the hospital treating myself.” 

“I missed classes for a whole week” 

Sunday Malek Angok, Good Shepherd Primary School, 12th May 2026  

Seventeen-year-old Sunday Malek Angok is in her final year of primary school. Like many pupils, she used to rely on water purchased near the school, coming from the river, without always knowing whether it was safe to drink or not. 

“There was a time I bought water and that was my turning point of falling sick” she remembers. “I developed stomach complications, fell sick and was rushed to Malakal Teaching Hospital for treatment. I missed classes for a whole week.” 

For Sunday, unsafe water did not only affect her health. Missing lessons meant falling behind in class and struggling to catch up with her studies. 

For pupils and teachers, access to safe water means more than quenching thirst. It means fewer illnesses, fewer missed classes, and a healthier environment in which to learn and work. 

SOLIDARITÉS INTERNATIONAL operates a surface water treatment unit at Good Shepherd Primary School. This system pumps water from the Nile River and treats it with chemicals to make it safe to drink, providing nearly 1,000 pupils and teachers with reliable access to safe drinking water. With the support of the South Sudan Humanitarian Fund (SSHF), this project reduces the risk of waterborne diseases and helps individuals stay healthy. 

Water Tank, Good Shepherd Primary School, 14th May 2026  

“Ever since we got clean water at Good Shepherd Primary School, pupils in my class rarely miss classes, and their performance has greatly improved”, says Achol. 

Photos : © SOLIDARITÉS INTERNATIONAL