Teachers in Juba, South Sudan, are marking World Teachers’ Day by demanding better salaries, safer working conditions, and greater recognition of their role in strengthening the education system. World Teachers’ Day is observed every year on October 5 to recognize the work of educators and their contribution to education. The day was established through the 1966 ILO/UNESCO Recommendation concerning the Status of Teachers.
Namadi Aisha, former head teacher of Exodus International Academy, emphasized the importance of recognizing and supporting teachers to encourage them to prepare children for the future. Aisha said teachers should have autonomy, support, and a voice in policymaking to feel respected as professionals. She believes that improving teachers' financial well-being would boost their morale, happiness, and sense of security at work.
Aisha called on the government to review teachers' salaries and other employment conditions to ensure educators are properly valued for their work. She added that every teacher should feel happy, valued, and safe in their work. Aisha expressed her happiness on being recognized on this day and encouraged all teachers to do their best to equip children for the future.
Samuel Majok Dot, the deputy head teacher of Smooth Star Academy Secondary School, said World Teachers’ Day remains largely undervalued in South Sudan. He believes the annual observance should give teachers an opportunity to reflect on their professional journey, achievements, and contribution to the education sector. Majok added that teachers expect the government to take greater steps to recognize the day and include it in the national education agenda.
Majok emphasized that there is no education system without teachers and that the government should give the day greater attention. He said teachers feel that World Teachers’ Day should be an important day in the education sector, allowing them to reflect on their professional journey and achievements.
The teachers' concerns come as countries around the world mark World Teachers’ Day, which recognizes the role of educators in shaping future generations. Teachers in South Sudan say recognition should go beyond celebrations and include practical measures to improve their livelihoods and working conditions. The day serves as a reminder of the critical role teachers play in developing society.
As World Teachers’ Day is marked globally, educators in South Sudan continue to advocate for better working conditions and greater recognition. The government is expected to take steps to address the concerns of teachers and ensure that their role in shaping the country's future is valued and supported.
Key points
- Teachers in Juba demand better salaries and working conditions on World Teachers’ Day.
- The government is urged to review teachers' salaries and employment conditions to ensure educators are properly valued.
- World Teachers’ Day aims to recognize the role of educators in shaping future generations.
