Phased Reopening of Schools in South Sudan

Yesterday saw the phased reopening of schools in South Sudan. Candidate classes Primary 8 and Senior 4 returned to school for a 6 day/week programme that will see them work towards examinations in February 2021 and March 2021, respectively.

The Honourable Minister of General Education and Instruction, Awut Deng Acuil opened the event by highlighting that “it’s now important more than ever that we need our partners in the education sector to support us in this process of the schools re-opening. This is just one phase and we look forward to getting all classes running”.

Learners at the Back to Learning event in Juba

Deputy Head of Mission, British Embassy South Sudan, Charles Moore said, “I commend the decision to reopen schools. I commend the work of teachers for, through them, we hope to see a bright future for the children of this country. We continue to support to ensure each child gets at least 12 years of quality education”.

Special guest, His Excellency Vice President Hussein Abdelbagi, concluded by saying, “My office promises to work closely with the Ministry of Education to ensure support. I want to thank all development partners like the UK Government, Canada, USAID. You have done and continue to do so much for this country”.

Other classes will continue distance learning as they await full reopening of schools in April 2021.

GESS has been working closely with Ministry of General Education and Instruction, Government of South Sudan to support the safe reopening of schools.

We urge all learners and teachers going back to school to follow COVID-19 safety guidelines to help #StoptheSpread.

Remote Learning is important but learners’ safety is paramount. Learners who continue with distance learning should always look for a safe way to participate that is in line with COVID-19 health and safety measures.