Key Recommendations for the New Minister of General Education and…

This article is an open letter to the newly appointed Minister for General Education and Instruction, Hon. Professor Kuyok Abol Kuyok, addressing critical issues needing immediate attention in South Sudan’s education system. Eight key points include timely examination results, educational reforms, combating malpractice, improving teacher training, promoting girl child education, emergency education programs, addressing resource shortages, and recruiting qualified teachers. The letter expresses confidence in the Minister’s capacity to lead impactful changes in the education landscape.

Honorable Professor Kuyok Abol Kuyok, I extend my heartfelt congratulations on your appointment as the new Minister for General Education and Instruction by President Salva Kiir Mayardit. Your extensive service, notably as the Under Secretary in the same ministry, positions you as a key asset in facing the challenges ahead for South Sudan’s education system. Your dedication and experience are invaluable as you undertake this critical task.

As you commence your responsibilities, please be aware of the urgent issues requiring your immediate engagement within the education sector. While I am neither an educator nor an official from the ministry, I have spent years as a doctor and humanitarian supporting education through integrated health, WASH, and Education Projects. This work has provided me with insights into the significant challenges confronting South Sudan’s education system at this crucial juncture.

I propose the following eight key points that demand your attention to redefine our education system:

1. Timeliness in releasing examination results is essential. Delays in the Primary Leaving Certificates and Senior Four results hinder academic progress and increase setbacks for students, complicating their transitions to subsequent educational levels.

2. The education system necessitates significant reforms to achieve international standards. This includes upholding curricula, enhancing teacher training, and allocating resources that support quality education, enabling students to acquire essential skills for global competitiveness.

3. Combating exam malpractice is vital. The integrity of our education system is undermined by exam leakage and cheating. Implementing stringent measures will help to foster a culture of honesty, thus valuing the achievements of diligent students.

4. Enhancing teacher training and ensuring prompt salary payments are critical to improving the quality of education. The shortage of trained teachers, coupled with delayed payments, severely impacts educational quality across many regions.

5. Promoting girl child education is an effective strategy for community upliftment. Addressing factors like dropout rates among girls arising from cultural or social barriers is crucial to empower future generations of women in South Sudan.

6. Prioritizing emergency education programs in conflict-affected areas is necessary. Initiatives like “Education Cannot Wait” and Accelerated Learning Programs (ALP) play a pivotal role in ensuring educational access for children impacted by crises.

7. Addressing the dire lack of teaching resources, including textbooks and infrastructure, is essential to foster a conducive learning environment. All students and teachers must have access to basic educational materials to facilitate effective learning.

8. Championing the recruitment of professional teachers is essential. Only qualified individuals should gain employment within the education sector to ensure that the integrity and quality of education are upheld across primary and secondary levels.

Honorable Minister, your leadership represents a critical opportunity for the advancement of education in South Sudan. The actions you pursue will significantly influence our nation’s future. Confronting these issues directly will not only instill confidence in our education system but also create a better future for our children.

Congratulations again on your appointment. I am optimistic that under your guidance, the Ministry of General Education and Instruction will achieve remarkable advancements.

In summary, the appointment of Honorable Professor Kuyok Abol Kuyok as the Minister for General Education and Instruction comes with significant expectations. Urgent action is needed to address key challenges such as timely examination results, educational standards, teacher training, and resource availability. By fostering a culture of integrity and promoting equitable education for all, the Honorable Minister can effect substantial improvements that will enhance the educational landscape in South Sudan. The proposed strategies serve as a roadmap for elevating educational quality to meet both local and international standards, paving the way for a brighter future for South Sudanese children.

Original Source: www.radiotamazuj.org