Western Equatoria State's Education Minister, Patrick Thomas Ruruyo, has launched an Examination Readiness Initiative aimed at improving students' performance in national examinations. The initiative seeks to prepare examination candidates through seminars and targeted academic support. This program is designed to help learners understand examination questions, manage their time, and identify areas that require more attention during revision. The minister believes that this initiative will enhance students' performance and has called on education partners, parents, and communities to support the program.
According to Minister Ruruyo, insecurity in parts of Western Equatoria State has significantly contributed to poor academic performance. Conflict has affected several areas, including Mundri, Tambura, and Nagero, disrupting learning and making it difficult for some students to prepare adequately for their examinations. The minister emphasized that communities and parents have an important role to play in supporting learners and addressing the challenges facing education. He urged stakeholders to work together to create a conducive environment for learning.
The Examination Readiness Initiative is being introduced as a pilot program in Yambio County, with plans to expand it to all ten counties of Western Equatoria State if the approach proves successful. The program focuses on intensive coaching for learners and supporting teachers to guide students in examination preparation, time management, and targeted reading. This initiative aims to provide learners with the necessary skills to excel in their national examinations.
Minister Ruruyo has also sought support from education partners for learning materials, including pamphlets that could help candidates prepare for examinations. Such materials could potentially benefit learners beyond the areas initially covered by the initiative. The ministry believes that these materials will enhance students' understanding of examination questions and improve their performance.
A parent in Yambio town, Mary Juma, has welcomed the initiative but expressed concerns about the fees charged to students attending the seminars. The reported fee of 5,000 South Sudanese pounds (SSP) per student every Saturday may prevent many learners from participating. Mary urged the Ministry of Education to reduce the fees or introduce arrangements that would allow children from low-income families to benefit from the program.
The concerns highlight the challenge of balancing the need for additional examination preparation with the financial difficulties faced by families. As the initiative progresses, its reach and effectiveness will depend partly on community participation, support from education partners, and the ability of students from different economic backgrounds to access the seminars. The proposed expansion to other counties could also help extend examination preparation support to learners in areas affected by insecurity and limited educational resources.
The Examination Readiness Initiative is a significant step towards improving students' performance in national examinations in Western Equatoria State. The ministry's efforts to engage with communities, parents, and education partners will be crucial in determining the success of this program. By working together, stakeholders can help create a more supportive learning environment and enhance students' chances of success in their examinations.
Key points
- Western Equatoria State's Education Minister Patrick Thomas Ruruyo has launched an Examination Readiness Initiative to improve students' performance in national examinations.
- The initiative faces challenges, including the high cost of attending seminars, which may prevent some learners from participating.
- The program will be expanded to other counties if it proves successful in Yambio County.
