Teachers are Nation Builders!

On the 5th of October, we marked World Teachers’ Day which is annually celebrated on the 5th of October. This year, Girls’ Education South Sudan celebrates the incredible contributions of educators worldwide. This year’s theme, “Valuing teachers’ voices: towards a new social contract for education,” resonates deeply with the journey of one remarkable teacher, Susan, a teacher from Aweil National, in Northern Bharl-el Ghazal State. Susan shared her story with us. 

From an early age, Susan knew she wanted to be a teacher. Her passion for education was ignited by her own inspiring teachers, and she dreamed on one day making a similar impact on her students. “I knew I wanted to be a teacher when I was young. I am not yet a professional teacher, but I will get there,” Susan states firmly.  Susan’s dedication to her profession is unwavering and she continually seeks ways to improve her skills and knowledge. 

Susan at the ASEP centre

Due to numerous circumstances such as lack of financial support, Susan did not completer her secondary education but dropped out and started teaching in a primary school in her locality. Her commitment to professional development led her to the Accelerated Secondary Education Programme (ASEP) by Girls’ Education South Sudan. The ASEP programme (meant for teachers who have not completed primary and secondary education to complete in a condensed form) provided her with improved teaching skills and techniques and innovative classroom management strategies.  

“As I’m here studying to complete secondary education, I’m also becoming better at teaching because I see how my teachers here teach and the things, I’m learning are helping me out a lot at doing my job as a teacher,” Susan adds. The skills she gained have so far transformed her teaching methods, allowing her to engage her students more effectively and foster a love for learning. Susan promises to advance her education too by enrolling to a Teacher Training College. “This will not be where I am going to stop. I want to be a professional teacher and serve my people well. This opportunity (ASEP) was to help me complete my secondary education, I will look for more opportunities to advance my learning,” 

Susan with a colleague at the ASEP centre

Teachers in South Sudan continue to face numerous challenges that affect their work, and Susan is not an exception. Despite her passion and skills, Susan faces significant challenges in her profession. “Low or no pay, delayed salaries, and a lack of sufficient teaching materials are common issues for us here,’’ Susan adds. These challenges can be disheartening, but Susan’s resilience and dedication keep her going. 

Reflecting on the theme for this year’s celebration, Susan said, “If the government could hear my voice, I would like the government to know that teachers deserve to be paid well and on time. If we (teachers) are not paid well, it affects our work, and this affects the future of the children too”. 

Looking ahead, Susan hopes for a brighter future for the teaching profession. She dreams of improved facilities, better pay, timely salaries, and access to adequate teaching materials. Susan believes that by valuing teachers’ voices and addressing these issues, we can create a new social contract for education that benefits both educators and students. 

On this World Teachers’ Day, let us honour teachers like Susan, who continue to inspire and educate despite the challenges they face. Their voices are crucial in shaping the future of education, and it is time we listen and act. 

Categorised in: Girls' Education, Human Interest Story, Teachers