Teachers’ union urges government to improve welfare, ensure timely pay

JUBA – A member of the National Teachers’ Union of South Sudan, Garang Deng, has called on the government to improve teachers’ welfare and ensure the timely payment of their salaries.

Deng emphasised that the consistent delay in salaries and poor working conditions are undermining the education sector and discouraging teachers across the country.

“We are calling on the government to pay teachers on time. There is a serious shortage of qualified teachers in schools, and many of those who understand education are not employed. We are tired of this situation,” Deng said during the celebration of World Teachers’ Day on Monday in the capital.

Meanwhile, Ben Tombe Columbano, the head teacher of Supiri Secondary School, praised the role of teachers in shaping the nation despite the challenges they face.

“Today, we are honoured to gather here to celebrate the most noble profession — teaching. This day reminds us to recognise the contribution of teachers to the development of our country,” he said.

He added that it is a hard time for teachers in government schools, but they are ready to deliver what they can to their students, regardless of the situation.

International Teachers’ Day is marked globally on October 5 every year to recognise the contributions of teachers worldwide. The global theme for 2025 is “Recasting Teaching as a Collaborative Profession.”

Growing frustration over delayed and low salaries has led many public school teachers to leave their classrooms. Some have transitioned to private schools, while others have sought alternative employment to support their families.

The education sector in South Sudan is grappling with escalating challenges, including late salaries and diminishing teacher motivation, which have hindered efforts to provide free primary and secondary education in public schools.

Last month, Jacob Akech Kuai, a 54-year-old teacher at Sky Secondary School and former public school teacher, stated that he left his position at Bor Secondary School due to economic hardships exacerbated by soaring inflation.

According to the 2023 Education School Census report, the quality of education is poor due to a shortage of qualified teachers, with 61 per cent of teachers deemed insufficiently qualified, possessing only a secondary education certificate. The ratio of learners to qualified teachers stands at 77 to 1.