The commitment of STTC for students’ health: a daily challenge

“All our students are getting sick and the medication is enourmous as the malaria is more and more resistance,” explains Sr Elizabeth Blok SSND, tutor and administrator at the college. Those who suffer most are young people from poor families, whose vulnerability is often exacerbated by an irregular and inadequate diet, a frequent cause of ulcers.

When some students’ health deteriorates severely, on-campus care is not enough. “I have many stories of going in the middle of the night with unconscious students, high fever…” says Sr Elizabeth. In such cases, the students are taken to health centers where the cost of a treatment cycle, including tests, consultations, hospitalization, intravenous drips and high-dose injections, can cost up to 50 dollars. If transfer to hospitals in Juba is necessary, the families are then left to bear the cost.

To keep costs down, the college tries to buy medicines in bulk, but the financial burden remains considerable. In a context where malaria and typhoid can be fatal for those who cannot afford treatment, the support provided by the college is a vital lifeline for the students. Maintaining adequate healthcare cover for students and staff means protecting the lives of those who, in the future, will go on to teach in the country’s schools. As Sr Elizabeth points out: “It is not easy in our place and we have to do whatever is necessary to safe life.”

Date Published:

09 November 2026

Author:

Alice, officer

Article Tags:

Latest news, South Sudan, Solidarity, Teacher training, Education, Health, The fight against malaria, healthcare