Authorities in Twic East County of Jonglei State on Tuesday launched a back-to-school campaign aimed at reversing a sharp decline in school enrollment caused by insecurity and economic hardship.
John Matiop Mamer, the county education director, told Radio Tamazuj that the campaign, launched in partnership with development partners, seeks to boost enrollment after the number of pupils dropped from 14,000 last year to 11,000 this year.
“This initiative is intended to improve school enrollment across the county,” Mamer said. “It was supposed to be launched at the beginning of the academic year, but financial constraints delayed its implementation.”
He attributed the decline largely to escalating violence in northern parts of Jonglei State, which has disrupted education and forced some families to flee.
Mamer said the drop in enrollment has compounded existing challenges facing the education sector in the county.
“Even before the current insecurity, only 35 of the county’s 43 schools were operational,” he said. “The remaining schools relocated to Bor and continue to operate there after flooding forced their closure.”
He called for improved security and the introduction of school feeding programmes to encourage children to return to classrooms.
Mary Akur, a pupil in the county, welcomed the campaign but said more support was needed to address barriers keeping children, particularly girls, out of school.
“Many pupils, especially girls, are still out of school,” she said. “Providing scholastic materials, introducing school feeding programmes, and ending child abductions would make schools more attractive and encourage attendance.”
Deng Maluil, a community leader, said about 3,000 pupils attended the launch event and urged parents to support the campaign.
“This initiative should not only bring back children who have dropped out but also help retain those already in school,” he said. “That requires commitment and responsibility from parents.”
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