The Primary Leaving Certificate Examinations began in Bentiu yesterday.  More than one thousand pupils are taking part in the exams for the first time since the start of the conflict.

The acting director in the Ministry of Education in Unity, Zechariah Bol Tuor says papers were delivered on time in all the centers.  Bol Tuor says the pupils started with english and will wind up with mathematics on Wednesday.    

“The exams started yesterday and it will also continue up to the 27th, so it was very good for Unity state this year to witness this achievement.  “We  lost the exam for two years,  now the exam has started and it is now  going very well in all ten centers, we thank our partners for great support especially UNICEF, MeryCorps and Intersos”  

Bol Tuor says the exams will also be administered in the Bentiu UN POC.  

The exams are being taken in ten centers, including areas under the control of the opposition such as Nyal and Ganyliel in Panyijair.  However, pupils in the areas of Mayendit, Leer and Koh will not be sitting on account of the recent insecurity in the area.  

Pupils also explained what they think about exams, Wang Kor Matai said,” It very important for us and we are happy to sit for this exam because we did not sit for two years now.”

Wang Kor Matai has also called on the Government of the Republic to suspend school fees.
“I want the government of South Sudan to introduce the policy of free primary education for all, because I want the government to understand that education can change the divided community into peaceful society.”

Nyalat Gabriel said, “I can say that we are happy indeed and we want to thank the government of South Sudan for organizing and arranging this exam for us. We are sitting for this exam now because of the peace agreement that was signed by our leaders. We want them to continue with peace so that we can continue with our studies.”

The exams, which were organized by the Ministry of education with support from UN Children’s Organisation - UNICEF and other education partners including MercyCorp and Intersos will end tomorrow, 27 January.