A campaign to get young girls to go back to school and to encourage teachers to deliver a better education has been launched in Bentiu, northern South Sudan.

The Undersecretary of the National Ministry of General Education, Hon. Michael Lopuke Lotyam said that the government was very committed and was doing all it could to improve the education sector in the country.

With support from the European Union and other partners, the national Government is supplementing schools’ budget.

“Teachers that perform well in their roles will each receive 4,803 South Sudanese Pound (approx. USD 32),” said Hon. Lopuke.  “These incentives are meant to encourage teachers who are part of the nation building process.”

The Undersecretary warned that many schools across the country were not using the incentive grants in an effective way. He said the Ministry of Education could not afford to fund study materials for the schools on top of the money it was already making available.

UNMISS Head of Field Office in Bentiu, Hiroko Hirahara, is encouraging the government to continue investing in education for a better future and urged parents to send their children to school. She acknowledged the importance of investing in teachers.

The acting chief of UNICEF in Bentiu, Elizabeth Bonareri Mose, reiterated her organisation’s commitment to supporting girls’ education and appealed for the involvement of women in the decision-making process.

“If we educate a girl, we educate a family and we educate a nation.”

Speaking on behalf of female students, Rebecca Nyadit Gatluak urged the Government to prioritize peace and support girls’ education.

“Parents should stop creating problems for girls who are in school and not overload them with house chores. Girls should be given the opportunity to study and not have to think of early marriage.”

While the conflict has destroyed many schools, the gradual restoration of these schools and incentives set for teachers have given hope to South Sudan’s education system.

July 17 was declared South Sudan National Girls’ Education Day by former President John Garang to increase awareness on the importance of girls’ education in the country.