Factors affecting early grade educational attainment: Evidence from South Sudan

Abstract

Decades of conflict have left a majority of the South Sudanese population lacking basic educational skills. Using data from newly enrolled first graders in BRAC Non-Formal Schools, this study explores the current level of basic education in the country and models its determinants. Results suggest that most of the students lack the base to begin first grade schooling while modelling its determinants show strong signs of gender and socioeconomic disparity. To achieve parity and meet the target of quality primary education for all, greater attention needs to be paid towards the inclusion of female students and those from lower-socioeconomic backgrounds.