The education department in Bor County, Jonglei State, South Sudan, has issued a directive banning farewell parties and gifts in schools. The ban, which applies to all public and private schools, aims to alleviate the economic burden on parents and promote discipline and academic focus among students. According to Bor County Education Director Gabriel Panchol Anyang, the practice of giving gifts and organizing farewell parties has become a significant financial strain on parents.
The banned practices include the giving of "success cards" and assorted gifts to Primary 8, Senior 4, and Top-Class candidates. These gifts, which can range from expensive clothes and cosmetics to money, soft drinks, goats, and other items, are often provided by parents, relatives, and friends. The education department has expressed concerns that this practice has placed an economic burden on low-income families and raised concerns among some parents.
The directive, which took effect immediately, prohibits parents, relatives, or friends from giving gifts to candidates or other students. Students found receiving such gifts could be discontinued from the national examinations. Additionally, the education department has banned farewell or "sign-out" celebrations both within and outside school premises. Parents and relatives are not allowed to contribute money towards farewell party activities at schools or in the payams.
Schools that fail to comply with the directive risk facing a two-year suspension. The education department has warned that any school that continues to allow farewell parties could be closed for two academic years, with its operating licence and letter of no objection withdrawn. Payam education supervisors and security personnel assigned to the education department have been directed to ensure compliance with the new regulations.
The ban also applies to nursery school graduation ceremonies, which are now required to be organized solely by individual schools, without excessive spending or assorted gifts. The education department aims to promote a more equitable and disciplined learning environment, free from the pressures of gift-giving and extravagant celebrations.
According to the education department, the practice of giving gifts and organizing farewell parties has become a misleading factor for youths and an economic burden on parents of low-income learners. By banning these practices, the department hopes to promote a more focused and disciplined approach to education, allowing students to prioritize their academic pursuits.
The directive has been circulated online, and authorities are working to ensure compliance. With the new regulations in place, schools in Bor County are expected to adhere to a more streamlined and equitable approach to education, with a focus on promoting academic excellence and reducing unnecessary expenses.
Key points
- The ban aims to alleviate the economic burden on parents and promote discipline and academic focus among students.
- Schools that fail to comply with the directive risk facing a two-year suspension.
- The education department aims to promote a more equitable and disciplined learning environment, free from the pressures of gift-giving and extravagant celebrations.
