The Central Equatoria State Ministry of General Education and Instruction has directed all private schools in the state to charge tuition and related fees in South Sudanese pounds, effective from the 2027 academic year. This move aims to address concerns over high fees charged in US dollars and poor management practices in private schools. The new directive also sets minimum operational standards for private schools.
State Caretaker Education Minister Lupai Satimon Andrew announced the directive at a press conference, emphasizing that schools failing to comply could face serious consequences, including license revocation or closure. He stated that all schools operating in Central Equatoria State must charge school fees and related costs in South Sudanese pounds, rather than in foreign currency. The minister also required private schools to provide adequate facilities and maintain a clean, conducive learning environment.
The minister outlined specific requirements for private school facilities, including a minimum land size of 400 x 400 meters in urban areas. Schools that cannot meet these standards will not be permitted to operate in Central Equatoria State after 2027. Recent inspections revealed that some schools were not adhering to official operating hours, leading to reduced teaching time and insufficient curriculum coverage.
To address these issues, Lupai instructed all schools to adhere to official operating hours, with classes starting at 8:00 a.m. and ending at 4:00 p.m. He also emphasized the importance of meeting the teacher workload of eight periods per day, with documentation of lesson plans and schemes of work. The school calendar must be strictly followed to ensure that students receive adequate instruction.
The minister urged parents and guardians to enroll their children in nearby schools to reduce travel distances and improve punctuality and attendance. He noted that many children travel long distances to attend school, often bypassing closer options. By enrolling children in nearby schools, parents can help save time for studies and enhance class attendance.
Additionally, the minister mandated that all schools establish parent-teacher associations (PTAs) and school management committees to enhance transparency, accountability, and effective administration. Any school that fails to comply with this directive will face appropriate penalties. The formation of PTAs and school management committees aims to promote better management and oversight in private schools.
The Central Equatoria State Ministry of General Education and Instruction's directive is set to take effect from the 2027 academic year. Private schools that fail to comply with the new regulations risk facing closure or license revocation. The minister's announcement has significant implications for the education sector in Central Equatoria State, and stakeholders will be watching closely to ensure that the new regulations are implemented effectively.
Key points
- The Central Equatoria State Ministry of General Education and Instruction has mandated that private schools charge fees in South Sudanese pounds from 2027.
- Schools that fail to comply with the directive risk facing closure or license revocation.
- The new regulations aim to address concerns over high fees, poor management practices, and inadequate learning environments in private schools.
