The education system in South Sudan leaves much to be desired. Proper education facilities are limited and school supplies are scarce. As a result, the gap between those who are educated versus the population (11 million) is great…especially for women (female literacy is estimate
However, those who do attend school carry within them passion and determination. The WorldPost recently shared an article that unveiled the thoughts of some of the girls at a primary school in South Sudan that teaches 700 students (200 girls) in makeshift outdoor classrooms.
The girls, ranging in ages 9- 18, stated the below points regarding their schooling and education:
- Asunta (9 years old): “The best thing about school is
the lessons… If I finish education, I want to be a doctor, because I want people to have good health” - Asunta (15 years old): “When I finish school I want to join the United Nations Mission in South Sudan because they are training people on how to protect the citizens of South Sudan… I would be able to support my own family…”
- Mary (11 years old): “My only problem with school is food…our meals are not enough. I take mine home and share with my family, which is 10 people… most days I don’t eat breakfast or lunch. My wish is to become the governor of Pariang…. the thing I will do is build more schools for girls and boys.”
- Bakhita (10 years old): “My favorite subject is religious education. I have lots of friends here and we all want to be educated.”
- Mary (18 years old): “This year, my parents have started pressuring me to stop school again, because they don’t have enough money for school fees. But I will stay in school even if I need to go and work to pay the school fees myself”
Aid groups are trying to reverse the trend of lack of education while improving school facilities but the battle is constantly uphill. However, with a rough road ahead we stay hopeful, inspired by the hope of the aforementioned girls who even with limited resources, hunger and poverty in their path, plow ahead with big dreams of a better future.
