Oct 21, 2020(Nyamilepedia) — The European Union delegation and education partners in South Sudan are calling on Kiir’s administration to lead the initiatives to secure sustainable education in Africa’s youngest country, South Sudan.
Speaking during a launch of back to school event under the theme “Safe Learning during and after COVID-19”, which was attended by the Vice President of Service Cluster Hon. Hussein Abdelbagi Ayii, General Education Minister Awut Deng Achuil, Minister of Youth and Sport Dr. Albino Bol, the British Embassy’s Deputy Head of Mission Charles Moore, country representatives of UNESCO Julius Banda, UNICEF’s Mohamed Ayoya and Save the Children’s Rama Hansraj, the Head of Cooperation of the European Union Delegation to South Sudan, Wim Vandenbroucke, pledged that EU and other donors are there in South Sudan to support the young nation to establish a secure and sustainable education system.
“The EU and all other donors are with you to secure sustainable education in South Sudan. Team Europe encourages the Government to allocate the necessary financial resources for education through the National Budget. Accountability and transparency in public finance is of key importance for donors to connect closely with the government’s policies for service delivery, in particular for education.” Wim Vandenbroucke said.
Mr Vandenbroucke said the European Union has been sustaining education system in South Sudan by making sure that the union pays salaries to primary school teachers to ensure that they are able to provide for their families while they continue to serve the nation.
“From 2017 to 2019, the EU has paid, in cash, directly into their hands, almost all primary schools teachers, in order to make sure that they could sustain their families and teach at the same time.” Mr. Vandenbroucke said.
The head of the EU delegation pledges that the European Union will continue to provide more educational support coming next year.
“For the coming years, we are looking for more sustainable education projects,” Vandenbroucke added.
Calls on South Sudan to increase budget for education
The EU team reminds the South Sudanese government of its essential role in providing education and other services, and called on the government to allocate sufficient fund to education and other long term investments.
“The Ministry of General Education and Instruction has a crucial role. We are aware of the scarce resources made available until now to meet the demands and the needs of students, teachers and parents. Nevertheless, sufficient investment needs to be allocated for education,” Wim Vandenbroucke reiterated.
The head of the European Union delegation also reminds the South Sudanese leaders of inclusivity saying that no child should be left behind.
“Not one child should be deprived from education: young girls, young boys, children in difficult-to-reach areas and in vulnerable situations, children with disabilities.” He added.
Speaking during the event, the South Sudan Vice President for the Services Cluster, Hon. Hussein Abdelbagi, appreciated the Europeans and other donors, and promise to prioritize teachers’ needs.
“For our development partners, I am happy that I can see many of you here today. On behalf of the government, I want to thank you for all the support to education in South Sudan. We appreciate your assistance.” Abdelbagi said.
“We commit ourselves to supporting the teachers during this difficult (COVID-19) period. In my service delivery cluster, the first priority is the teachers’ salary. I promise you I will work hard to deliver on this,” He added.
