An Open Letter to the New Minister of General Education and…

This open letter congratulates Prof. Kuyok Abol Kuyok on his appointment as Minister of General Education and highlights key areas for immediate action in South Sudan’s education system, including timely exam results, educational reforms, combating malpractice, and supporting girl child education. The writer emphasizes the vital role these changes play in improving the future of education in the country.

This open letter extends warm congratulations to Prof. Kuyok Abol Kuyok on his recent appointment as the Minister of General Education and Instruction by President Salva Kiir Mayardit. His extensive experience as a long-term Under Secretary within the same ministry is acknowledged as a vital asset in undertaking this significant role. As he embarks on this new journey, it is imperative that he addresses pressing educational tasks to enhance South Sudan’s education system.

The writer, Dr. Geng Geng, humbly notes that he is not a teacher or an education ministry official, but rather a doctor and humanitarian who has extensively supported education through Health, WASH, and Integrated Projects. This background provides insight into the challenges facing the education system in South Sudan, necessitating urgent attention for improvement.

The letter outlines eight critical areas requiring immediate action:
1. Timely Release of Examination Results: It is essential to ensure that results for the Primary Leaving Certificates and Senior Four examinations are released punctually to enhance academic continuity and student progression.
2. Improving Education Standards: Reforms are necessary to align South Sudan’s education system with international best practices, including curriculum updates and teacher training enhancements to equip students for global competitiveness.
3. Combating Exam Leakage and Cheating: Implementing stringent measures against exam malpractice is crucial to preserving the integrity of the education system and ensuring fairness for diligent students.
4. Teacher Training and Timely Payment: A focus on increasing the number of qualified teachers and ensuring they receive timely salaries is critical, as poor educational quality is often tied to teacher deficiencies and demotivation.
5. Promoting Girl Child Education: Addressing the high dropout rates among girls by promoting their education is vital for community upliftment and national development, as educated girls can significantly contribute to societal progress.
6. Prioritizing Emergency Education Programs: In conflict-affected areas, prioritizing initiatives such as “Education Cannot Wait” is essential to guarantee educational access for children impacted by instability.
7. Addressing Lack of Teaching Resources: There is a pressing need for basic teaching materials and adequate facilities in schools to foster a favorable learning environment for both students and educators.
8. Championing Professional Teacher Recruitment: Ensuring the recruitment of qualified educators is necessary, as many unqualified individuals currently fill these roles, undermining educational quality.

In conclusion, Hon. Minister, your leadership arrives at a critical juncture for education in South Sudan. The actions taken during your tenure will significantly influence the nation’s educational future. By addressing these outlined challenges, you can restore faith in the education system and construct a promising future for the children of South Sudan. Congratulations once more on your appointment, and the writer expresses optimism for the progress under your governance.

In summary, the open letter to the newly appointed Minister of General Education emphasizes the importance of addressing urgent challenges within South Sudan’s education system. The outlined areas of focus—timely examination results, educational reforms, integrity in examinations, teacher support, girl child education, emergency programs, resource allocation, and professional recruitment—are crucial for fostering a robust educational framework. The actions taken by the Hon. Minister will play a pivotal role in shaping a brighter future for the nation’s youth.

Original Source: www.radiotamazuj.org