Ministry wants more recruitment of female teachers in schools
The South Sudan’s undersecretary in the ministry of general education and instruction, Dr. Kuyok Abol, called for affirmative action geared towards the recruitment of more female teachers.
“If you look globally, education is now the responsibility of our mothers,” Kuyok said.
“In most countries, you find teachers are female from primary up to university because it is an extension of the upbringing of a child,” he added.
Also, he emphasised improving the quality of education and the importance of teachers’ development in the country.
Kuyok made the remarks during a roundtable discussion to enhance education in South Sudan, hosted by UNICEF.
The event discussed the pressing issues faced by teachers and explored strategies to overcome them.
Mr. India Perry from the Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office (FCDO) of the Government of the United Kingdom said it was very important to have more female teachers in classrooms.
“I have been to many primary schools in South Sudan, and I have seen that plenty of schools have no female teachers at all,” Perry said, adding the female teachers can help girls face menstrual health challenges with ease.
Tabu Morrish, a teacher at Golo Primary School in Lainya County, attributed the lack of female teachers in schools to negative cultural norms.
“In many communities in South Sudan, including the community that I come from, girls’ education is not prioritised, and this hinders their future prospects of getting into professions like teaching,” Morrish said.
The discussion concludes a month-long campaign to address the importance of investing in teachers.
The campaign aimed to retain highly skilled educators within the sector, enabling them to deliver improved teaching and contribute to the nation’s growth.
Jesper Moller, Deputy Representative of UNICEF South Sudan, highlighted the invaluable role teachers play in the overall progress of the country.
“Teachers are instrumental in nurturing the holistic development of children, and their contribution to the education system is immeasurable,” Moller said.
Moller said that through our collective efforts, we aim to provide teachers with the necessary resources, training, and support to empower them in their vital work and ultimately contribute to building a brighter future for the children of South Sudan.
The campaign also emphasised the importance of creating a supportive environment for teachers by focusing on their professional development, career growth, and motivation.
