Derek Chappell said: "It is very satisfying to see the Academy grow in the controlled way that we planned and for the additional children securing places at the Academy to be drawn from communities and different ethnic backgrounds across South Sudan.

"It is very important that we develop new funding streams going forward so that the current progress can be maintained."

At the same time Chappell revealed that negotiations were taking place with donors and a local contractor regarding the construction of new computer and science laboratories on the Academy site. "We are making good progress and I hope to be able to make an announcement very soon," he said.