Date of Graduation

Spring 5-2024

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Education (Ed.D.)

College/School

School of Education

Department

Educational Leadership

Program

Organization & Leadership EdD

First Advisor

Geneveve Gonzales

Second Advisor

Monisha Bajaj

Third Advisor

Micheal Duffy

Abstract

South Sudan, the youngest nation in the world, gained independence on July 9, 2011, following many long years of civil war and untold human suffering. After a decade of independence and millions spent from international assistance, neither stability nor development have been secured in the country. Although primary education is improving, tertiary education, particularly tertiary technical education, is considered a neglected sector. This descriptive mixed-method study documents and analyzes 1,461 surveys and 60 interviews, capturing the aspirations of the secondary school youth and stakeholders across the nation of South Sudan towards tertiary technical education, peace, development and civic engagements. Historical and ongoing factors, including gross negligence, lack of prioritization, and lack of resources, have contributed to the disastrous and stunted situation of both the nation and tertiary technical education. Due to the limitations of the local context, youth may not have much access to engineering fields, yet, they underscore the importance of engineers and engineering for the sustainable socio-economic development of South Sudan. The aspirations of the youth are well oriented towards engineering education, aligning with their wish to contribute to the overall development of the nation. The nation is yearning for better governance and civic engagements that would end manipulative violences and lay the foundation for a stable and gradual development. The capacity deficiency in the nation can be greatly improved through suitable interventions of international and local actors to prioritize investment in tertiary technical empowerment. Such interventions, in turn, will facilitate stable peace, employment, sustainable development and a civil society, leading to a transformed sovereign community, integrating both indigenous values and developmental innovations.

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