The Old Nation Primary School in Yuai town, Uror County, Jonglei State, has been operating without a single classroom since 2023, leaving over 454 pupils and teachers exposed to harsh weather conditions. The school's lack of infrastructure has resulted in pupils attending classes under trees. This situation is further complicated by shortages of textbooks and other essential learning materials. The school's challenges highlight the difficulties faced by the education sector in South Sudan.
Thomas Bol, a teacher at the school, reported that despite the difficult conditions, teachers continue to work, hoping for improvements in the learning environment. He emphasized that the community relies on them to provide education, and giving up would negatively impact the community's development. Bol appealed to the government and development partners to support the school with classrooms and essential learning materials to improve the learning conditions for pupils.
The lack of classrooms and learning materials is not an isolated issue in Yuai town. According to Biel Lam Pech, the caretaker commissioner of Uror County, insecurity in the Lou Nuer areas has significantly affected education infrastructure. This has disrupted plans to improve schools, leaving many in poor condition, including Old Nation Primary School. The ongoing conflict has hindered efforts to provide proper structures for pupils.
Pech called on the Jonglei State government and partners to assist in providing proper structures for pupils. He highlighted that the crisis has impacted plans for schools, and external support is necessary to address the infrastructure challenges. The commissioner's comments underscore the need for collaboration between local authorities and external partners to address the education sector's challenges.
The situation at Old Nation Primary School is a reflection of the broader challenges faced by the education sector in South Sudan. The country's education system has been affected by ongoing conflicts and lack of resources, resulting in many schools operating in difficult conditions. The case of Yuai town's primary school highlights the urgent need for investment in education infrastructure.
Efforts to reach the caretaker minister of General Education and Instruction in Jonglei State for comment on the school's challenges were unsuccessful. However, the issue is likely to be addressed through collaborative efforts between local authorities, the state government, and development partners. The response from these stakeholders will be crucial in determining the future of education in Yuai town and similar areas.
The plight of pupils learning under trees in Yuai town has brought attention to the critical need for educational infrastructure in South Sudan. With over 454 pupils affected, the situation demands immediate attention and action from relevant authorities. The provision of classrooms and learning materials is essential to ensuring that pupils in Yuai town and similar areas have access to quality education.
Key points
- Over 454 pupils at Old Nation Primary School in Yuai town are attending classes under trees due to a lack of classrooms.
- Insecurity in the Lou Nuer areas has affected education infrastructure and disrupted plans to improve schools.
- The school faces shortages of textbooks and other essential learning materials, further complicating the learning environment.
