Friends of Ibba Girls School

Who we are

Friends of Ibba Girls School, South Sudan, is a small UK charity which raises funds and provides professional/technical advice to support the building and development of a girls residential primary and secondary school in South Sudan. Over the past decade, FIGS has supported Ibba Girls Boarding School through uncertain times for this emerging nation. By persevering, we are testing and demonstrating a measurable step change in the quality of teaching and learning in South Sudan. This is making Ibba school a beacon of light, providing visible evidence and practical examples of high-quality and accessible education for girls, regardless of their background, status, income, ethnic group or religion.

FIGS is widely admired across South Sudan for its work in establishing and sustaining this innovative school. FIGS is small but punches above its weight. It has a group of very active, well-qualified trustees who work together very effectively along with one hard-working consultant who provides administration, communications and PR and some fundraising.  Trustees include people with experience in law, education, charity finance, public policy and management and knowledge of South Sudan. They include the South Sudan diaspora. The work is always interesting and wide-ranging. FIGS has a wide network of regular supporters mainly in the UK but also internationally. This base of funding is complemented from philantropists and trusts and foundations, along with some events and volunteer fundraising.  

FIGS works closely with another UK charity, Windle Trust International, which has a long track record of effective work in the educational field across eastern Africa. They act as FIGS agent in South Sudan to provide professional, technical and managerial support to the school, its trustees, governors and PTA. They also provide training in governance, leadership and management for the school.  

FIGS also works closely with the community and its representatives in South Sudan, notably the IGBS Trustees.  

This is a small, energetic UK charity, big on vision and imagination and with a strong commitment to girls education, both in itself and because of the multiple benefits which such education brings to a country emerging from conflict.  

Our culture and values

FIGS was established in response to a specific invitation from local and national community leaders in South Sudan, so our approach is collaborative with our partners. We are a can-do organization, determined to overcome the many challenges of working in the newest country in the world.  

Equality, diversity and inclusion policy

FIGS is committed to excellence without elitism in providing primary and secondary schooling in South Sudan. In the UK, we actively welcome a range of identities and experiences and draw on these to progress our work.