This article is an open letter addressing Prof. Kuyok Abol Kuyok, the new Minister of General Education and Instruction in South Sudan. It highlights essential improvements needed in the education system, including timely examination results, educational standards, combating exam malpractice, promoting girl child education, and addressing resource shortages. Dr. Geng Geng, the author, shares insights from his humanitarian background and emphasizes the potential for positive change under the Minister’s leadership.
Dear Honorable Minister Prof. Kuyok Abol Kuyok,
Congratulations on your well-deserved appointment as the Minister for General Education and Instruction by President Salva Kiir Mayardit. This recognition reflects your outstanding service, especially during your tenure as the Under Secretary in the same ministry. Your extensive experience will be a valuable asset as you navigate this critical role.
As you step into this position, it is essential to acknowledge the urgent tasks that require your immediate focus to align the South Sudanese education system with the needs of its students and the nation.
While I am not an educator or a ministry official, I am a medical doctor and humanitarian with significant experience supporting education initiatives. This background has provided me with insight into the principal challenges confronting the education system in South Sudan at this crucial juncture.
Here are eight key points that warrant your urgent attention to transform the current state of education:
1. Timely Release of Examination Results
The prompt release of Primary Leaving Certificates and Senior Four examination results is critical. Delays hinder students’ academic progression, preventing smooth transitions to subsequent educational phases.
2. Improving the Education System to Meet Best Standards
Reforms are necessary to align the South Sudan education system with international best practices. Updating curricula, enhancing teacher training, and ensuring necessary resources are crucial for elevating educational quality and equipping students for global competitiveness.
3. Combating Exam Leakage and Cheating
Malpractice in examinations undermines educational integrity. It is vital to implement stringent measures to prevent these practices, bolster examination security, and foster a culture of integrity among students and educators.
4. Teacher Training and Timely Payment
There is an immediate need for increased training of teachers and assurance of timely salary payments. The lack of qualified educators, compounded by delayed wages, significantly impacts educational quality.
5. Promoting Girl Child Education
Empowering girls through education is a strategic means to uplift communities. Addressing high dropout rates due to cultural and economic barriers will ensure future generations of women can contribute effectively to national development.
6. Prioritizing Emergency Education Programs
In areas affected by conflict, emergency education initiatives like “Education Cannot Wait” are vital. These programs provide essential education to children in crisis zones and must be prioritized to mitigate disruptions.
7. Addressing the Lack of Teaching Resources
Many schools face shortages of essential teaching materials and adequate infrastructure. Rectifying these deficiencies is imperative for establishing an effective learning environment.
8. Championing Professional Teacher Recruitment
It is critical to recruit only qualified individuals into the teaching profession. Currently, many unqualified persons occupy teaching roles, while trained educators are underutilized in other sectors. Upholding recruitment standards is essential for enhancing educational quality.
Your leadership arrives at a defining moment for South Sudan’s education system. Addressing these challenges will restore confidence in education and pave the way for a promising future for our children.
Once more, congratulations on your appointment; we have confidence in your ability to drive remarkable progress within the Ministry of General Education and Instruction.
Sincerely,
Dr. Geng Geng,
Medical Professional and Public Health Practitioner
Dr. Geng Geng is currently pursuing a Masters of Public Health at Upper Nile University, focusing on Global Health, Epidemiology, and Health Policy. He is actively engaged in humanitarian work and can be contacted at lukageng@gmail.com.
The views expressed in this opinion article reflect those of the author, and the accuracy of any claims is the author’s responsibility, not that of Radio Tamazuj.
In summary, the letter emphasizes the importance of urgent reforms in the South Sudanese education system under the leadership of the newly appointed Minister. Key priorities include timely examination results, adherence to international education standards, combating malpractice, and promoting inclusive education. Furthermore, addressing resource shortages and enhancing teacher recruitment is essential. Dr. Geng Geng expresses confidence that with focused actions, the education landscape in South Sudan can significantly improve.
Original Source: www.radiotamazuj.org
