For many decades, South Sudan has been struggling to improve the quality of education across the country. The nation aims to increase school enrolment, improve literacy rates, increase the number of qualified teachers, and provide adequate learning materials. With support from education partners such as Education Cannot Wait and the GPE Program, in collaboration with the Ministry of General Education and Instruction, efforts are being made to provide learning and teaching materials to schools across the ten states and two administrative areas.
Over the past three years, the Education Cannot Wait program has been working alongside the Ministry of Education to support many schools in various states, including Warrap state. There, Peace Corps Organization implements project activities in four counties: Gogrial West, Tonj East, Tonj North, and Twic County. Through this collaboration, over thirty schools have received supplies of school materials, including textbooks, chalk, exercise books, pencils, pens, colouring pencils, and educational toys and games.
The supply of learning materials has contributed positively to students' academic performance and learning experiences.
Peter Mangong, headteacher of Injas Primary School, explains, The distribution of exercise books and other school supplies is essential for supporting student learning and development. When learners receive these tools, they understand and remember information more effectively, compared to simply listening in class without writing materials. These exercise books allow students to organize their ideas and track their progress, which is vital during exam season.
He adds, The provision of learning materials in schools paves the way toward academic success. By providing learners with necessary tools from the first day of school, students become more motivated, develop higher self-esteem, and enjoy a better learning experience.
Peace Corps Organization has provided packs filled with school learning materials, ranging from crayons and calculators to pens, pencils, and exercise books.
Marino one of the PTA of CGS, he explains the general community of Lokwamor are extremely happy about the CGS and comes next year 2025 I will bring my two daughters to this school. He added that, The school must continue for the learners to acquire more knowledge and PTA of CGS should sit down and agree for girls to be taught during morning time rather than in the afternoon.
Rebecca Achol, a teacher from Akoi Primary School, emphasizes the importance of these supplies: School supplies play a crucial role in education and student development. Having all necessary materials while at school prepares students and gives them a sense of security. She adds, "Something as simple as writing utensils and paper can determine students' progress and achievements.
Ajok Deng, a student at Injas Primary School, shares her experience with the distributed learning materials: The exercise books and writing materials given to us have helped me tremendously. Before the distribution, I came to school empty-handed because my parents couldn't afford writing materials. This made exam preparation difficult as I had nothing to refer back to. Now I'm more focused and concentrate better in class. I enjoy coming to school every day because I have everything I need for my studies. I can easily review my notes when I need to understand something or prepare for exams.
She continues, Thanks to the Education Cannot Wait Program and our Ministry of Education for this important support. I urge the Ministry of Education to continue supporting us in schools and to increase the number of qualified teachers, as this is another significant challenge we face - we don't have enough teachers.
The Ministry of General Education and Instruction continues to work with its education partners to ensure long-term quality education services and equitable access to learning, aiming to prevent dropout and other disruptions in children's education.
