3 June 2015 - Targeting 40,000 children in need of schooling, Western Equatoria State today kicked off the national “back to learning” campaign in the capital Yambio.

Launching the activity, Governor Bangasi Joseph Bakosoro said it encouraged parents in conflict-affected as well as unaffected states to send their children to school.

“I am urging the parents to send their children to school because it is key to a good life,” Mr. Bakosoro said. “Everybody must go back to learn because educated societies promote peace and development, not killing.”

The governor noted that children could not attend school if conflict erupted in Western Equatoria, currently considered a “green” or peaceful state. He condemned insecurity elsewhere, stating that he would keep the state peaceful or resign.

“It is better for me to resign to save lives if … I could not maintain peace,” he said. “I don’t want to be Governor of dead or ignorant people. All must go to school to be educated and know how to live in peace not war”.

The governor congratulated three Western Equatoria girls who had scored the highest female scores in the country for South Sudan certificate examinations in sciences.

UNICEF Country Director in South Sudan Jonathan Veitch said the launching of the "back to learning" campaign stressed the rights of children in Western Equatoria to go school and receive a quality education.

Mr. Veitch noted that South Sudan had ratified the Convention on the Rights of the Child -- the most widely adopted international treaty in history. He said it was vital for the government to implement it, providing equal opportunities for girls and boys to attend school.

Ambassador of Japan to South Sudan Masahiko Kiya said South Sudanese could only fulfill their potential and build a peaceful, stable future for all through education.

The ambassador said Japan had donated over nine million dollars to UNICEF for school materials and facilities in South Sudan.

Minister of Education Pia Philip said the campaign was vital in sending 40,000 children back to school. But training for education managers, school materials and motivated teachers were needed for its success.

The colorful occasion at Yambio Freedom Square was attended by over 40 primary and secondary schools around Yambio.