By UNICEF Press Release
UNICEF South Sudan, in partnership with the Ministry of General Education and Instruction, the European Union, the African Development Bank, the Global Partnership for Education, and the Norwegian Embassy, is proud to announce the launch of an ambitious and comprehensive campaign titled, “Invest in Teachers, Invest in the Future.”
The campaign aims to address the challenges teachers face by improving their livelihoods and the overall quality of education – for the future of children in South Sudan. By ensuring that teachers receive regular, on-time payments and proper training, the campaign will enable the retention of highly skilled educators in the sector, who will, in turn, provide better teaching to their students and contribute to the nation’s progress.
Honourable Zaharia Matur Makter, Transitional National Legislative Assembly Chair of the Higher Education Committee, expressed the importance of the initiative, saying, “If your ultimate aim is quality education, you must train teachers because they will be the ones to provide quality education…When they are trained, you also motivate them. When you pay them, you keep them in schools; you keep them in the teaching profession.
In many parts of South Sudan, communities have been pooling resources to compensate for the inconsistency in teachers’ salaries. In addition, government officials, community leaders, and schools are dedicated to improving the situation for South Sudan’s teachers, recognizing that without qualified and motivated educators, the nation’s development will suffer.
UNICEF South Sudan Acting Representative Mr Eric Alain Ategbo emphasised teachers’ critical role in the country’s progress: “Teachers support the all-round development of children, and their contribution to the education system is invaluable. Our joint efforts aim to provide the necessary resources, training, and support to ensure they can continue their vital work and ultimately help build a better future for the children of South Sudan.”
The campaign will also focus on fostering a supportive environment for teachers by promoting their professional development and career growth and enhancing teacher motivation. By advocating for investment in teachers, the campaign hopes to create a sustainable and positive impact on the education sector in South Sudan.
