Overview
Smile Charity South Sudan has continued its mission in 2024 to improve the lives of vulnerable communities in Jonglei State . With a focus on Education, Livelihoods, Child Protection, and now the inclusion of Mental Health Services starting in 2025, Smile Charity South Sudan has worked tirelessly to address critical needs in communities affected by conflict and instability. This report highlights the progress made across these areas, the challenges faced, and our plans for 2025.
Key Program Areas in 2024
1. Education Program
The Education Program in 2024 aimed to provide access to education and enhance the quality of learning in underserved regions of South Sudan. Despite many challenges, significant progress was made in empowering children and youth with the knowledge and skills they need for a better future.
Key Activities & Achievements:
School Supplies Distribution: Smile Charity distributed educational materials such as books, pens, and teaching resources to over 100 students in Bor South County.
Teacher Training Workshops: We successfully trained 15 teachers on Mental health$ Psychosocial Support, child-centered education practices and classroom management, enhancing the overall teaching quality.
Sponsorship: The charity sponsors 10 vulnerable children in different Schoold of Bor South County.
Parent and Community Engagement: We facilitated multiple meetings between parents, teachers, and local leaders to strengthen community involvement in education.

Challenges:
Inadequate infrastructure, including limited classroom space and a lack of proper sanitation, remains a barrier due to limited Resources.
Access to educational resources, such as digital learning tools, is still very limited due to limited funding from big donors.
Impact:
20% increase in student enrollment and 15% improvement in academic performance in participating schools.

2. Livelihoods Program
The Livelihoods Program continued to support communities with sustainable solutions to economic hardships. By focusing on skills training, small business development, and agricultural support, Smile Charity helped individuals and families become more self-sufficient.
Key Activities & Achievements:
Liquid Soap making Training Skills: We provided training to 30 individuals in trades like liquid soap making, and agriculture, helping them develop practical skills to improve their livelihoods.
Individual cash Assistance for Small Businesses: Smile Charity offered micro-grants to 30 women and youth, helping them start businesses in areas such as Liquid Soap Selling and poultry farming.
Agricultural Support: Vegetables Seeds were distributed to 30 families, promoting food security.
Financial Literacy & Savings Groups: We established 5 new Village Saving Loans Association (VSLA), teaching community members how to manage finances and access loans for business growth.
Challenges:
Economic instability and lack of access to markets for goods continue to hinder the growth of small businesses.
Poor infrastructure, including inadequate roads, complicates the distribution of goods and supplies.
Limited Funding

Impact:
30% of small businesses funded through the micro-grant program are still operational after six Months.
Improved food security, with families reporting better Lives and lower levels of food insecurity.

3. Child Protection Program
The Child Protection Program aimed to ensure the safety and well-being of children in South Sudan. Smile Charity South Sudan worked to safeguard children from violence, exploitation, and neglect while advocating for their rights and well-being.
Key Activities & Achievements:

Child Protection Awareness Campaigns: We organized 5 community workshops reaching over 1,000 people to raise awareness about child rights, the dangers of child labor, and the importance of child education.
Care for Vulnerable Children: Smile Charity supported 5 vulnerable children with Milks, counseling, Clothes and reunion with their Families.
Collaboration with Local Authorities: We worked closely with child protection agencies to identify and respond to cases of abuse, facilitating the safe return of 2 children to their families.
Challenges:
Limited funding for long-term care and rehabilitation of children.
Societal stigma around child protection issues makes it challenging for some families to seek help.

Impact:
Seven (7) most Vulnerable children including the twins from mother with disability were provided with Milks, counselling, Clothes and support, leading to their reintegration into families.
Increased awareness of child protection laws, leading to a decrease in child labor and improved reporting of abuse cases.