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Yiwu Global Digital Trade Center Nears Grand Opening, Sparking Buzz with Global Buyers Through Short Dramas and AI-Driven Videos

YIWU, China, Oct. 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — This autumn, Yiwu is poised to open a new chapter in global digital trade. The Yiwu Global Digital Trade Center is set to open soon, with preparations nearly complete.

Over the past month, thousands of merchants within the market spontaneously have launched a spontaneous campaign named “A Golden Autumn Invitation Across a Thousand Miles,” blending human warmth with technological power to convey Yiwu’s openness and sincerity to the world.

Micro-drama Invitations by “Yiwu Boss Ladies” and “Next-Gen Entrepreneurs”

“Hello, my friend! My new store opens in October, you must come!” — Such cross-border calls have become a familiar soundtrack at the Yiwu Global Digital Trade Center recently.

In this wave of spontaneous and heartfelt exchanges, 100 Yiwu boss ladies and next-generation entrepreneurs have become the emotional hubs of connection.

They have turned one hundred heartfelt stories of cooperation with foreign partners—along with one hundred creative invitation ideas and one hundred grand opening surprises—into a series of micro-dramas that have resonated widely across domestic and international social media platforms.

Among them, Chen Meijun invited her “foreign godson,” a young man from Uzbekistan who came to China to pursue his dream of studying traditional Chinese medicine with her help.

Sheng Yafang reached out to Sultan, a business partner from Uzbekistan whom she befriended 25 years ago through an act of honesty, rekindling a cross-border friendship rooted in integrity.

Zhou Jingjing extended an invitation to her Russian partner who, despite living through wartime hardships, spent seven years repaying his debts in full—proving that “trust knows no borders.”

Meanwhile, Xu Hua’s South American client, Marcos, who once prepaid for goods without hesitation in his early business days, will personally lead a team of nail art trainees to Yiwu to celebrate the grand opening.

These true stories—spanning continents and time—are all built on a foundation of trust, forming one of the most heartfelt cultural symbols of the Yiwu market.

AI Empowerment Drives Visual Breakthroughs

Beyond the emotional connections, technology has emerged as another highlight of the Yiwu Global Digital Trade Center’s opening campaign.

The Chinagoods AI (CGAI) technology platform has ushered in a “visual content revolution” for merchants across the sixth market.

At the recent held “Global Digital Trade Center 1,000 Brand TVC Premiere and AI Social Media Marketing Summit,” a thousand AI-generated brand commercials were unveiled simultaneously—marking a major leap forward that overcomes traditional barriers of cost, production time, and creative limitations in video content creation.

“In the past, producing a brand video could cost hundreds of thousands of yuan and take several months. Now, with AI technology, a single product image can generate ad content with an international look and feel,” said one participating merchant.

The system also enables rapid creation of region-specific content tailored to the visual preferences of markets such as Europe and North America, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia—truly achieving “one click, global reach.”

Meanwhile, two AI-generated creative videos have gained widespread traction on overseas social media platforms:

To the Summit — uses the imagery of climbing Mount Everest to depict three members of Yiwu’s new generation of digital traders embarking on a symbolic journey to the world’s peak, where they launch the “Global Digital Trade Crystal,” connecting an international digital trade network.

Breaking Boundaries — features an AI-generated hot air balloon carrying Yiwu’s young entrepreneurs as it soars across global landmarks such as the Egyptian Pyramids, the Eiffel Tower in Paris, Silicon Valley in the United States, and the Sydney Opera House. In multiple languages, it extends an open invitation to the world: “Come to Yiwu to do global business.”

Within just one day of release, the video surpassed 3.9 million views, becoming a viral case study in cross-border digital marketing.

Global Digital Trade Center to Open with a New Look

The soon-to-be-unveiled Yiwu Global Digital Trade Center represents not only the next generation of markets in Yiwu but also a “digital trade infrastructure” powered by AI as its core engine.

As a national strategic-level project, it focuses on cutting-edge sectors including fashion accessories, smart home products, collectible toys, outdoor leisure, and consumer electronics. With 3,760 innovative shops, the center aims to establish a fully digitized, round-the-clock operational “intelligent trade ecosystem.”

Here, the integration of people, products, marketplaces, and supply chains is fully digitized, rendering language, time zones, and geographic boundaries no longer obstacles to trade.

As the CGAI project lead stated, “We are committed to empowering every small and medium-sized merchant with the ‘content creativity’ and ‘brand communication power’ that once belonged exclusively to international major brands.”

From the humble beginnings of “feathers flying to the sky” to the era of “digital trade connecting the world,” Yiwu continues to advance in step with the global market.

Today, this city, renowned as the “World’s Supermarket,” is leveraging the dual engines of technology and trust to advance toward becoming a global digital trade hub.

The opening ceremony of the Global Digital Trade Center is now ready, featuring a series of international exchange events including a welcome gala for global buyers, a new product launch live festival, and an AI interactive experience exhibition. These activities will offer visitors from around the world an immersive celebration blending technology, commerce, and culture.

“A Thousand Miles, One Wind” is more than an invitation—it embodies the shared journey of Yiwu and its global partners, grounded in time and trust. This October, let us meet in Yiwu to witness the beginning of a new era in global digital trade.

Nextivity Announces CEL-FI Cellular Coverage Solutions Now Support LEO Satellite Networks

New capability enhances coverage when satellite line-of-sight obstructions weaken signal.

SAN DIEGO, Oct. 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Today, Nextivity announced support for Direct-To-Cell (D2C) services on its CEL-FI ROAM R41 and CEL-FI GO G41 products. Through a software update, the ROAM R41 and GO G41 repeaters are configured to enhance cellular signal coverage from available LEO satellite networks. This new capability is managed using the Nextivity WAVE App.

D2C services require a clear view of the sky to establish reliable connections between handsets and satellites. Clear sky views may not always be available when in vehicles, near hilly terrain, or indoors. Designed for cars, Utes, RVs, and boats, the CEL-FI ROAM R41 is the industry’s most powerful cellular coverage solution for on-the-go applications. The CEL-FI GO G41 is a best-in-class fixed-location solution. With the addition of satellite signal enhancement, the ROAM R41 and GO G41 significantly increase the chances of connecting and maintaining the satellite messaging link in cases where the view of the sky may be fully or partially obscured.

“Nextivity is pleased to support efforts to provide Universal Outdoor Mobile Coverage for all mobile phone users,” said Nextivity VP of Oceania Sales Tom Cooper. “With the rapid growth of satellite-based networks to fill in terrestrial gaps, we augmented our patented IntelliBoost® technology to support D2C links in our flagship ROAM and GO products.”

CEL-FI ROAM R41 is available to consumers and fleet managers through authorized Nextivity distribution and retail store partners in EMEA, Australia, New Zealand and the APAC region. For enterprise customers, GO G41 solutions are ready for deployment by certified system integrators and installers. More information is available at nextivityinc.com.

About Nextivity

Nextivity®, Inc. makes the world’s most intelligent, powerful, and easy-to-use cellular, public safety, and private 5G coverage solutions. Our cellular signal booster products include the popular CEL-FI® line, powered by proprietary IntelliBoost® technology. IntelliBoost uses digital signal processing to enhance performance in real time and deliver unbeatable in-building cellular coverage for commercial and residential buildings of any size and on-the-go coverage for vehicles, at the lowest cost/ft2. Nextivity is also the world leader in High Power User Equipment (HPUE) technology, enabling outstanding edge-of-network coverage. Our WAVE Edge Services deliver the market’s only DAS-based IoT sensor network infrastructure – allowing our customers to leverage their cellular coverage solution to transform their business. CEL-FI solutions are unconditionally network-safe and used by over 200 mobile network operators around the world. Nextivity is headquartered in San Diego, CA, USA with offices in the UK and Australia. Visit us at nextivityinc.com and follow us on LinkedIn.

Media Contact
Pamela Saunders
Nextivity
info@nextivityinc.com

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Chill Garden Introduces the G-SHIELD Outdoor Storage Cabinets Series — Expanding Its Hong Kong Patio and Garden Furniture Selection

Hong Kong outdoor furniture retailer adds G-SHIELD metal storage cabinets to its curated range of waterproof and weather-resistant collections.

HONG KONG, Oct. 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Chill Garden, a Hong Kong-based outdoor furniture and lifestyle retailer, announced the addition of the G-SHIELD Outdoor Storage Cabinets Series to its expanding portfolio of outdoor furniture, patio furniture, and garden furniture solutions for Hong Kong’s humid, coastal climate.

The G-SHIELD Series features waterproof, rust-resistant and lockable metal storage cabinets designed for rooftops, carparks and residential estates. Chill Garden now offers this collection as part of its mission to bring reliable, high-quality outdoor products to Hong Kong customers.

“We constantly source durable, practical and beautifully made pieces that perform in Hong Kong’s weather,” said Patrick Yeung, founder of Chill Garden. “The G-SHIELD line fits perfectly with our philosophy — offering professional-grade outdoor storage that complements our HDPE and rattan furniture ranges.”

Key Features of G-SHIELD Outdoor Storage Cabinets

  • Cold-rolled steel construction for strength and longevity
  • Waterproof and rust-proof panels suitable for balcony and garden use
  • Lockable doors and optional anchoring system for safety
  • Clean, modern design that matches contemporary outdoor spaces

View the collection: https://chill-garden.com/en/collections/gshield-outdoor-storage-cabinet-shed-waterproof

Part of Chill Garden’s Complete Outdoor Living Range

Chill Garden’s curated catalogue includes weather-resistant outdoor furniture built for Hong Kong rooftops, balconies and gardens:

Lingnan University in Hong Kong debuts in THE World University Rankings: Comes 47th globally in International Outlook

HONG KONG, Oct. 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Lingnan University in Hong Kong has entered the Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings 2026. In the latest published results, Lingnan ranked among the world’s top 301–350 out of 2,191 universities from 115 countries or territories, delivering a notable performance across several indicators. These include an impressive 47th place in International Outlook, recognising Lingnan University’s achievement in fostering international diversity and collaborative research on a global scale.

Lingnan University’s first entry in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings, reaches 47th place worldwide in International Outlook.
Lingnan University’s first entry in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings, reaches 47th place worldwide in International Outlook.

Prof S. Joe Qin, President and Wai Kee Kau Chair Professor of Data Science at Lingnan University, welcomed the results, saying “Lingnan has made remarkable progress in research output and citation impact in recent years. To further strengthen our capabilities in research and knowledge transfer, we are bringing in world-class scholars through the Lingnan-60 Global Talent Recruitment Campaign and the Lingnan University Institute for Advanced Study (LUIAS), creating a vibrant hub for nurturing the next generation of research talent. As of the end of September 2025, we have recruited 31 leading scholars through Lingnan-60 across emerging fields, including artificial intelligence (AI), data science, advanced materials, and carbon neutrality. This reinforces our commitment to becoming a leading research-oriented liberal arts university comprehensive in arts and sciences in the digital era. We are confident that our achievements will be increasingly reflected in future rankings.”

The THE World University Rankings are based on five core pillars of evaluation: teaching, research environment, research quality, international outlook, and industry.

Earlier this year, Lingnan University gained global recognition by ranking No. 1 worldwide in SDG 4: Quality Education in the THE Impact Rankings 2025. This notable achievement marks the first time a Hong Kong higher education institution has topped the global league table in this category, affirming Lingnan’s internationally recognised contributions to quality education and its commitment to advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In addition, 43 Lingnan scholars are featured in the 2025 edition of the World’s Top 2% Scientists list, an increase of almost 50% from last year’s 29. Among them, 19 scholars rank in the global top 100 in their respective disciplines, underscoring the international recognition of Lingnan’s research excellence and rising international impact.

EDAN Expands U.S. Operations with New Manufacturing Hub

Facility marks EDAN’s 30th anniversary and kickstarts global supply chain ecosystem

SAN DIEGO, Oct. 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Edan Instruments, Inc. (300206.SZ), a global leader in medical device innovation, announced the official opening of its new U.S. manufacturing hub in San Diego, California, on September 30, 2025. Building on more than 15 years of local presence through its San Diego office, the milestone marks EDAN Diagnostics, Inc.‘s first U.S.-based production site and strengthens the company’s presence in the region, enhancing its ability to support healthcare providers with advanced medical technologies while improving supply chain resilience in North America.

Together with EDAN Diagnostics’ existing 13,588-square-foot San Diego office, the new 20,882-square-foot facility strengthens the company’s U.S. operations. Across its San Diego sites, EDAN now integrates manufacturing, logistics, warehousing, R&D, and pre- and post-sales support — delivering greater efficiency, faster service, and expanded capacity to meet the growing needs of American healthcare systems. The facility is fully certified, including MDSAP and a California FDB medical device manufacturing license.


According to Mr. Hao Zhang, CEO of Edan Instruments, Inc., the launch of the new facility represents more than just an expansion — it embodies EDAN’s 30-year commitment to staying close to the people it serves. The establishment of this hub reinforces the company’s dedication to providing healthcare professionals with reliable, innovative technologies designed around patient needs. It also marks the beginning of EDAN’s global supply chain ecosystem, linking U.S. operations with its international network to enhance efficiency and responsiveness worldwide.

The ribbon-cutting ceremony, attended by representatives from the U.S. Department of Commerce, the San Diego Regional Economic Development Corporation (EDC), and the North American Representative Office of Shenzhen, China, coincided with EDAN’s 30th anniversary globally and the 15th anniversary of its U.S. subsidiary. To mark the occasion, EDAN dispatched the first shipment from the new facility, symbolizing the beginning of local production and distribution. Employees, partners, and community members joined in a countdown as the first truck rolled out, underscoring EDAN’s growing role in the region.

“We are excited to see EDAN take this next step in San Diego,” said Eduardo Velasquez, Sr. Director of Research & Economic Development at San Diego Regional EDC. “EDAN joins a diverse ecosystem of Life Sciences companies that consistently ranks among the top three in the nation. Their investment is another proof point that global companies find growth opportunities and top-tier talent by expanding into our region.”

About EDAN
Edan Instruments, Inc. is a healthcare company dedicated to improving the human condition by delivering value-driven innovation in medical devices and solutions. With a portfolio that spans Patient Monitoring, Diagnostic ECG, Obstetrics & Gynecology, Ultrasound Imaging, Point-of-Care Testing, In-Vitro Diagnostics, and Animal Care Patient MonitoringDiagnostic ECGObstetrics & GynecologyUltrasound Imaging,  Point-of-Care TestingIn-Vitro Diagnostics, and Animal Care, EDAN has empowered healthcare providers in over 170 countries. Headquartered in Shenzhen, China, EDAN operates 22 subsidiaries worldwide, including its U.S. arm, EDAN Diagnostics, Inc., based in San Diego, California. Follow EDAN on LinkedInFacebook, and Instagram.

GEDU Group to Become Largest Foreign Education Investor in India

MUMBAI, India , Oct. 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Leading UK education business GEDU Global Education has announced that it will become the largest foreign direct investor in Indian education by investing a further £200 million over the next three years, creating 1,500 jobs.

The announcement was made during the visit to Mumbai by UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, who is in India to demonstrate the significant benefits of the recently signed UK-India Free Trade Agreement and of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, which place significant emphasis on education and its critical role in achieving the potential of the UK-India partnership.

GEDU has already invested £25 million in setting up: a campus in GIFT City, Gujarat, where it is an approved infrastructure and solutions provider; a 600-staff strong Global Centre of Excellence in Noida; and the Lokmani higher education institution in Uttar Pradesh, established by GEDU Founder, Dr Rana, to provide higher education in rural India as a charity.

The expansion plans announced today include a partnership with the renowned Queen Elizabeth’s School, Barnet, through which a branch school will be opened in the National Capital Region in August next year. A second school, in another Indian city, will follow by 2028.

Also announced today was the intention to develop GEDU Global Education City in the National Capital Region, which will become an international hub housing campuses for UK universities.

GEDU Group CEO, Dr Vishwajeet Rana, who is in Mumbai as part of the UK Prime Minister’s delegation, said “GEDU’s investment will not only change the lives of young Indians, but it will also help strengthen the Indian and UK economies, and enhance even further the UK-India education partnership.

India’s economy is booming – adding USD 1 trillion to its GDP every 12 to 18 months over the next decade,” said Dr Rana.

“It has the world’s largest population, and the largest youth population, with 65 per cent under the age of 35.

“There is therefore an unprecedented demand for world class education – at both K12 and university levels, and we at GEDU are investing to enable and accelerate the provision of UK educational excellence in India.

“This demand for top quality education is what encouraged us to develop our plans, and it is the positive environment created by the UK and Indian governments that has given us the confidence to make the investments. We believe in the transformative power of education, and in the potential of the UK-India education partnership to change the lives of millions of Indians and to help the country achieve Viksit Bharat by 2047.”

Harjinder Kang, His Majesty’s Trade Commissioner for South Asia, and British Deputy High Commissioner for Western India, said: “The UK-India trading relationship is worth over £44 billion each year. Our Free Trade Agreement (FTA) will make it cheaper, easier, and quicker to do business together – boosting trade by over £25 billion every year in the long run. It will unlock many opportunities that promote growth and support job creation on both sides.  
 
This announcement, on the back of Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer’s trade mission to India, is another fantastic example of a UK business reaping the benefits of the ever-strengthening trading relationship between our countries.”

About GEDU

GEDU Global Education (GEDU) is changing lives through education and making a fundamental difference to living standards and access to learning globally.

We have operations in 15 countries, including the USA, United Kingdom, France, Germany, Spain, Malta, UAE, India, Saudi Arabia, Australia, Ireland and Canada.

We offer a range of educational opportunities— from K-12 through Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees, plus apprenticeships and language schools. Our portfolio has over 85,000 students, covers a wide range of subjects and is characterised by a keen focus on both employability and student experience to maximise return on investment for students.

Breakthrough Lectures to Headline the 2025 World Congress of Neurology in Seoul

SEOUL, South Korea, Oct. 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The World Federation of Neurology (WFN) and the Korean Neurological Association (KNA) will host the XXVII World Congress of Neurology (WCN) in Seoul, South Korea, from Oct. 12-15, 2025. WCN is a major, biennial conference that brings together world-class neurologists, experts, researchers, and clinicians from across the globe to showcase the latest advances in brain science, neurology, and patient care.

The World Federation of Neurology (WFN) and the Korean Neurological Association (KNA) will host the XXVII World Congress of Neurology (WCN) in Seoul, South Korea, from Oct. 12-15, 2025.
The World Federation of Neurology (WFN) and the Korean Neurological Association (KNA) will host the XXVII World Congress of Neurology (WCN) in Seoul, South Korea, from Oct. 12-15, 2025.

The congress theme, “The Soul of Neurological Innovation,” is exemplified through an elite Scientific Program featuring some of the most vital research and most influential voices in the field.

“The world is paying attention to brain health and the field of Neurology is positioned to make groundbreaking changes in the way we diagnose, treat, and care for brain disorders around the world,” said Prof. Wolfgang Grisold, President, World Federation of Neurology. “Through this Congress, we have a unique opportunity to shift the global trajectory of brain health through education, research, and collaboration, which is the core of the mission of the World Federation of Neurology.”

WCN 2025 will feature a diverse schedule of workshops, teaching courses, debate sessions, informal talks with WFN leadership, and plenary lectures delivered by leading neurology experts, discussing the latest developments in their fields.

Additional highlights include:

  • “WHO: Neurology Brain Health and Mental Health,” Dr. Tarun Dua, Unit Head, Neurological, Sensory and Oral Conditions, Noncommunicable Diseases and Mental Health Department at the World Health Organization (WHO), Switzerland
  • “When Stroke Strikes,” Prof. Charlotte Cordonnier, Professor of Neurology in the Lille University Hospital, France
  • “Neurodegenerative Disease and Therapies,” Prof. Sir John Hardy, Chair of Molecular Biology of Neurological Disease at the UCL Institute of Neurology, London
  • “What do we know and What Would We Like to Know about Cellular Senescence in the Brain,” Dr. Mikolaj Ogrodnik, PhD, Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Traumatology, Austria
  • “New Therapies in Autoimmune Neurology: Focus on Car-T Cell Therapies,” Dr. Sean Pittock, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN
  • “New Therapies in Inherited Neuropathies,” Prof. Mary Reilly, MB, MD, FRCP, FRCPI, FMedSci, Professor of Clinical Neurology and Consultant Neurologist, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London
  • “Patient Issues: The Fujitsu Project on Migraine,” Fumihiko Sakai, M.D., Director of Saitama International Headache Center, Saitama Neuropsychiatric Institute, Japan
  • “Movement Disorders in Africa: Progress by Education,” Prof. Njideka Okubadejo, Neurology Unit, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Clinical Sciences, College of Medicine, Lagos University Teaching Hospital, University of Lagos, Nigeria

Throughout the Congress, WFN will host a series of interactive conversations about Brain Health, with participation from WHO, and featuring the worldwide advocacy activities of WFN, from Intersectoral Global Action Plan on Epilepsy and Other Neurological Disorders (IGAP) to World Brain Day.

“WCN is committed to fostering a global perspective in the field of neurology, recognizing that diverse health systems and neurological challenges around the world require collaborative efforts to advance better brain health for all,” said Professor Beomseok Jeon, President, XXVII World Congress of Neurology.

Those interested in attending the conference can register to attend in-person or virtually here. Additional news releases will be distributed throughout the week. For media queries, please contact ashley@yakketyyak.com.

About the World Federation of Neurology
With support from its 125 Member Societies, the World Federation of Neurology fosters quality neurology and brain health worldwide by promoting neurological education and training, emphasizing under-resourced areas of the world. As a non-state actor in official relations, WFN supports the World Health Organization (WHO) efforts to give everyone an equal chance to live a healthy life. With Member Societies around the globe, WFN unites the world’s neurologists to ensure quality neurology and advocate for people to have better brain health. Learn more about the World Federation of Neurology at wfneurology.org.

About the Korean Neurological Association
The Korean Neurological Association (KNA), founded in 1981, is the official academic society representing neurologists in Korea. Since its first annual meeting in 1982, which had 206 participants, the KNA has experienced substantial growth, boasting 2,607 members by 2025, comprising board-certified neurologists and residents in training. The KNA plays a central role in the education and training of neurology. The KNA established the Korean Board of Neurology in 1983 and has since managed the certification of all neurologists in Korea.

Media Contact
Ashley Logan, Yakkety Yak
ashley@yakketyyak.com

 

Signs of Change: Equipping Teachers with Tools for Inclusive Classrooms

Education Cannot Wait-funded initiative, implemented by Light for the World and Save the Children, trains teachers in sign language and braille as part of multi-year programme in South Sudan.

JUBA, South Sudan, Oct. 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — In a sunlit classroom in Juba, 24-year-old Beatrice stands in front of her fellow student teachers, her hands moving with newfound confidence as she practices the signs she has learned. “At the beginning, it was a bit difficult, but after the introduction to sign language, the sessions are now getting interesting and we are learning it with much love,” says student teacher Beatrice.

Student teacher Beatrice practices her signs at the front of the RNTTI classroom in Juba, South Sudan. © Light for the World/Nema Juma
Student teacher Beatrice practices her signs at the front of the RNTTI classroom in Juba, South Sudan. © Light for the World/Nema Juma

Beatrice is one of 1,400 aspiring educators from across the country who will receive training at three national teacher training institutes over the next two years through a transformative programme launched by Light for the World, in partnership with the South Sudan Ministry of General Education and Instruction. 

The initiative is part of the Education Cannot Wait (ECW) Multi-Year Resilience Programme in the country – implemented by Light for the WorldSave the ChildrenNorwegian Refugee Council and Finn Church Aid, as well as other partners. The teacher training, which also includes braille and inclusive education pedagogy, aims to ensure that no child in South Sudan is left behind – regardless of ability.

LEARNING TO TEACH, TEACHING TO CHANGE

“Today, I learned the alphabet, how to greet someone, how to ask someone their name and how to introduce myself in sign language,” says Beatrice.

For her, this is more than professional development.

Before joining the Rombur National Teachers Training Institute (RNTII), she taught at Sacred Heart Primary School in Magwi County, where students with disabilities were noticeably absent. “You rarely saw children with disabilities since there were not enough teachers to teach sign language and braille, and I believe that is why they chose to stay at home.”

The goal of the teacher training initiative is to tackle barriers to inclusive learning.

Over the span of nine months, teachers like Beatrice will gather to learn sign language, braille and strategies to promote inclusive education in their classrooms – taught by technical experts from ECW partner Light for the World. By equipping teachers with the skills to include and teach both children with and without disabilities, schools become more inclusive for all.

With less than half of children in South Sudan currently in school, inclusive education isn’t optional – it’s essential. “This crucial training will help address an urgent need for qualified teachers in inclusive education to accommodate and support children with disabilities,” adds Mohammed.

The ECW-supported initiative not only provides training, but also builds safe, accessible learning spaces and provides children with the assistive devices they need to attend school. Through this holistic approach, the aim is to remove the barriers that many girls and boys in South Sudan face in accessing their right to quality education.

Alex, another student teacher at RNTTI, echoes Beatrice’s passion. “I am really proud to be a part of this programme because, before entering the institute, I taught several boys and girls who had hearing impairments, as well as those with visual and other forms of disabilities. I felt terrible in class because of the communication barrier. Now, I am overjoyed that I am being trained by Light for the World. After I graduate, my expertise will be transformed when I return to school,” he says.

The initiative is already changing lives. 

In Magwi County, 18-year-old Moses, a pupil at Obbo Nursery and Primary School, missed his first term examinations when his mobility tricycle broke. “It was easy for me to come to school when I had a tricycle, but it broke. I had to stop coming because the school is far away from home.”

Disability Inclusion Facilitators from Light for the World took action. Working with Save the Children, they acquired a new tricycle for Moses. Though it may seem like a simple gesture, it made all the difference between Moses dropping out of school or continuing his education. Today, he is back in class and learning alongside his classmates. 

ECW IN SOUTH SUDAN

South Sudan remains one of the most challenging places in the world for children to access education. Conflict, displacement and poverty continue to disrupt learning for millions. More than 2.8 million children are out of school in the country today. Children with disabilities face even greater hurdles, often hidden from sight and forgotten by systems not designed for them.

Since 2020, ECW has supported partners in improving access to quality inclusive education for crisis-affected children and increasing retention rates. ECW’s funding focuses on the most vulnerable groups, including girls, internally displaced children and children with disabilities. Interventions range from covering school fees and reaching students remotely to training education personnel and implementing child protection pathways in schools.

ECW has invested US$73.8 million to support those left furthest behind in South Sudan. The most substantial portion of this investment, US$40 million, was announced in 2023. To date, ECW support in the country has reached 328,000 crisis-affected children across 14 counties. This progress is made possible by the work of implementing partners Light for the World, Save the ChildrenNorwegian Refugee CouncilFinn Church AidUNICEF and more, in close conjunction with the Ministry of General Education and Instruction and other partners.

Despite these investments and the dedication of implementing partners and educators, education continues to be one of the most underfunded sectors in the country. Now more than ever, we must rally global support to close the funding gap and ensure that crisis-affected children in South Sudan, including those with disabilities, are not left behind.

ADVOCATING FOR A FUTURE OF INCLUSION

Beatrice reflects on the training, and the impact it has already had on her career trajectory and mission as an educator. “Now I feel compelled to learn more so that, when I return, we can at least convince parents to send their children with disabilities to school – as well as talk to those students who are already enrolled to encourage others who have been left out to attend,” she says.

She delivers a clear and urgent appeal: “My message to parents is that they should not look down on their children with disabilities – they are just like everyone else. Instead, they should find a route ahead by sending their children to school.”

This isn’t just about access – it’s about societal transformation.

For now, Beatrice practices her signs with determination in Juba. When she returns to her community, she’ll be more than a teacher – she’ll be an advocate, helping children who’ve long been excluded enter the classroom and create a future beyond it.