One girl among 57 candidates sits for senior four exams in Pibor

BOR – Authorities in South Sudan’s Greater Pibor Administrative Area (GPAA) reported that only one female student out of 57 candidates sat for the South Sudan Certificate of Secondary Education (SSCSE) exams on Monday.

Speaking to Sudans Post by phone on Tuesday, Pibor’s Minister for General Education, Gabriel Ngamakori, said the number of girls taking the SSCSE this year has declined.

“We have 57 candidates ready to take on the SSCSE on Monday, and out of them is a girl. Compared to last year, the number has been reduced by two female candidates out of 43 candidates,” said Ngamakori.

“This year, the number of candidates increased to 57, whereas it was 43 last year. However, this year, the number of girls was reduced by one compared to two last year,” he added.

Ngamakori attributed the drop in the number of girls sitting for the senior four exams to traditional beliefs that regard girls as sources of wealth, emphasizing the need for community awareness.

“One of the problems is that the community here in GPAA is at a low level of livelihood, to the extent that some families are unable to send their children to school due to a lack of resources,” he said.

“The other issue is that many community members with children in school still view girls as sources of income. When a girl reaches the age of 17, 18, or 19, they want to give her away in marriage.”

He urged parents to prioritize educating their daughters, emphasizing the long-term benefits for both the individuals and the nation.

“Education is the key to life. When you educate your child, you are building that child’s future, especially for a girl child. Educating them means nurturing important people who will play a significant role in the community. I encourage parents to send their girls to school.”

The South Sudan Certificate of Secondary Education examinations began on Monday, December 2.