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School Reopening in South Sudan

“Education is for the development of the nation,” stated the President of South Sudan in a recent meeting, underscoring the government’s commitment as schools across the country reopen today under the new academic calendar set by the National Ministry of General Education and Instruction.

The directive, issued on Sunday, marks the commencement of the academic year for both primary and secondary institutions starting Monday, February 3, 2025. Luate William Alex, the Director General at the State Ministry of Education in Central Equatoria, confirmed that the reopening includes both private and public schools.

Simon Yugu Michael, Director of Studies at Juba Public Secondary School, in an interview with The City Review, reaffirmed their commitment to adhering to the updated academic schedule. “We are all set to welcome our students and guide them through another promising year of learning,” he noted.

South Sudan’s education system, closely modeled after that of the Republic of Sudan, consists of eight years of primary education followed by four years of secondary education. Unlike its northern neighbor where Arabic is the medium of instruction, English is the primary language used in South Sudanese schools. This has posed challenges, particularly in the scarcity of qualified English-speaking teachers, especially in scientific and technical subjects.

Despite these challenges, the education sector in South Sudan has seen notable growth. In November 2024, the Deputy Minister of General Education, Hon. Martin Tako Moyi, highlighted a significant increase in student admissions. The Certificate of Primary Education (CPE) saw an enrollment jump of 13.5 percent from the previous year, totaling 69,455 candidates.

However, the growth has not been without its issues. Teachers from various states have expressed discontent over unpaid salaries, urging the government to clear the backlog as schools reopen. The Jonglei State Teachers’ Union notably issued a 72-hour ultimatum to the Ministry of Finance to settle three months’ worth of salary arrears.

“Other government institutions have received their dues; why must the teachers be neglected?” questioned the union’s spokesperson.

In response to the financial grievances, the President reassured that the Ministry of General Education and Instruction will persist in its efforts to enhance the educational framework, emphasizing the strategic role of education in national development.

Amidst these reopening developments, the Central Equatoria State Ministry of General Education and Instruction issued a stern warning to private schools against charging fees in foreign currencies. This measure aims to prevent unjustified fee increases and ensure affordability of education for all.

“Some children will be out of school because their parents do not have hard currency for the registration process,” Lawati William, the Director General of the State Ministry of Education, declared during a pre-opening meeting with private school administrators.

The ministry also urged school principals to submit accurate student statistics and comply with certification requirements, stressing the importance of transparency and adherence to educational policies.

While private school principals have cited high government taxes and other financial impositions as reasons for elevated registration fees, the discussions continue to seek a balance between operational costs and affordable education. One representative mentioned, “Lack of clear policies and unofficial charges levied on foreign teachers are exacerbating the situation.”

The dialogue on educational reforms and fee structuring is part of broader efforts to standardize the academic calendar and improve the schooling environment across the state, particularly in Juba City. As schools open their doors today, the government’s directive and accompanying policies will play a crucial role in shaping the future of education in South Sudan.