Education authorities in Bor County, Jonglei State, have introduced a ban on farewell celebrations and gift-giving in public and private schools. The directive, effective from October 6, aims to alleviate the financial burden on parents and minimize distractions to students' studies. According to Gabriel Panchol Anyang, an education official in Bor, the ban was agreed upon during the Bor County Education Annual Review Meeting on July 30.
The ban applies to primary and secondary schools across the county and prohibits schools from organizing farewell parties on or outside school premises. Additionally, parents and relatives are not allowed to contribute money towards such events. The directive also extends to head teachers, teachers, students, pupils, parents, guardians, and private school owners. Those who contravene the directive risk facing penalties, including school closure for two academic years and withdrawal of operating licenses.
The authorities also banned gifts for students completing Primary 8 and Senior 4, as well as top-class pupils. Panchol stated that the practice had become costly, with students receiving items such as clothes, cosmetics, shoes, money, and livestock. However, graduation ceremonies for nursery pupils can still be organized, provided they are not extravagant and do not involve gift distribution.
The directive has elicited mixed reactions from the community. Yar Manyang, a secondary school candidate, expressed disappointment with the ban, stating that farewell celebrations could motivate students, particularly girls. In contrast, Kanya Mach, information secretary of the Jonglei State Women Association, welcomed the ban, citing the financial pressure and social tensions caused by gift-giving and celebrations.
Mach noted that gifts given to students had become increasingly expensive, leading some teenagers to seek gifts from their partners, which can contribute to family tensions. She cited an incident where a family was attacked after a man gave a girl he was courting gifts. The ban aims to promote a more focused academic environment and reduce financial burdens on families.
South Sudan has faced challenges in providing quality education, with schools in some areas struggling with teacher shortages, inadequate classrooms, and limited resources. Bor, the capital of Jonglei State, has a significant number of public and private schools catering to primary and secondary students. The education authorities hope that this directive will help improve the learning environment and promote academic achievement.
The implementation of the ban will be enforced by security personnel, according to Panchol. The move is expected to have a positive impact on the education sector in Bor County, with a focus on promoting academic excellence and reducing unnecessary expenditures. The ban on farewell celebrations and gift-giving is set to take effect immediately, with strict penalties for non-compliance.
Key points
- The ban aims to alleviate financial burdens on parents and promote a more focused academic environment.
- The directive prohibits schools from organizing farewell parties and gift-giving, with penalties for non-compliance.
- The ban has elicited mixed reactions from the community, with some students and parents expressing support and others disappointment.
