Young voices calling for more investment in the welfare of teachers
Teachers lack basic livelihood needs in South Sudan
As part of our "Invest in Teachers, Invest in the Future" Campaign and series of public advocacy for the welfare of South Sudanese teachers, UNICEF South Sudan Young Reporters share their opinions on the best teachers can be supported to deliver quality education to learners in South Sudan. Their reflections highlight the importance of teachers’ role in achieving the educational aspirations of children in the country.
The campaign aims to address the challenges teachers face by improving their livelihoods and the overall quality of education - for the future of children in South Sudan. By ensuring that teachers receive regular, on-time payments and proper training, the campaign will enable the retention of highly skilled educators in the sector, who will, in turn, provide better teaching to their students and contribute to the nation's progress.
Teacher’s payment
Teachers are catalysts of change but have been given low wages. It’s time for the teachers to be recognised and appreciated for their fantastic work. And I urge the government to understand the support they need because teachers are not just teachers but also counsellors, pastors, winners of souls, mentors, and actors of change.
Why do we need teachers?
A country without teachers would be chaotic and unstructured because no one would inspire students and pupils to their full potential. Teachers are also responsible for educating the next generation and helping shape their future. Furthermore, teachers often face challenging circumstances and are forced to work with limited resources; hence, the government should increase professional development and training funding.
Teachers’ feeding programs
Most teachers’ welfare in government schools is not up to date because they don’t feed on a balanced diet and clean and healthy water. This gap may lead to regular sickness in teachers since they exert a lot of energy, and when the teacher is sick, the learners may miss a lesson which reduces the performance of learners.
Learning aids
These learning aids, such as laboratories, are essential for easier learning, which most secondary schools in South Sudan do not have. This burdens teachers because it becomes tough for the learners to understand. The government should put more effort into building enough laboratories because doctors still need to be in the labs.
For every child, the right to education – education for all.
