Education

The Foundation supports access to education for young people in South Sudan, with a focus on girls.

Students in class at Cornerstones Vision Academy — Class in session at Cornerstones Vision Academy. Photo by Malin Fezehai for The New York Times. Read the article.

Education and Scholarship Programs

The VAD Foundation is committed to expanding access to quality education for young people in South Sudan and advocating for girls’ inclusion in academic spaces. Through our partnership with Cornerstones Vision Academy in Aweil, we help students, primarily girls, access a safe, high-quality education that prepares them for future success.

Our approach extends beyond traditional classroom learning. Students take part in project-based learning, after-school activities, mentoring, alumni connections, and sustainability education, with opportunities in sports, the arts, and computer skills.

We believe education supports young people to shape their own futures and contribute to their communities.

Schools and Scholarships in Marial Bai and Aweil

The Foundation’s education work includes its own secondary school in Marial Bai and a scholarship partnership with Cornerstones Vision Academy in Aweil. The partnership sends students to the school, with tuition paid directly to the school.

Marial Bai

Marial Bai Secondary School

Marial Bai Secondary School is the VAD Foundation’s own school. It opened in May 2009 to expand access to secondary education in Valentino Achak Deng’s home community. After years of disruption and extensive renovation and expansion work, the school reopened in October 2026.

The Foundation’s 2025–26 report says the expanded campus has capacity for more than 750 learners. Ongoing priorities include completing essential infrastructure and supporting the conditions needed for consistent learning.

Aweil

Cornerstones Vision Academy Scholars Program

Cornerstones Vision Academy is a partner school in Aweil. Through the Scholars Program, the Foundation sends students, especially girls, to the school and pays tuition directly to the school. Scholars can take part in academic learning, computer training, sports, arts, and other extracurricular activities.

During the 2025–26 reporting period, 450 girls benefited from elementary and high school scholarships.

Student Poetry About Girls’ Education

Students of the VAD Foundation perform a poem about girls’ education.

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