The Chinese Friendship Secondary School, built with funding from China, is showing strong academic results but requires more resources to fully equip its students, its director said.
The school in the capital was established in 2011 through a donation from the Chinese government.
Director of Studies Nicholas Jada told Radio Tamazuj that most students are scoring in the 70s and 80s, which he called a testament to the school’s effective teaching methods.
Jada said the school’s name reflects the cooperation between China and South Sudan. “This institution represents more than just a building; it symbolizes the commitment of the Chinese people to supporting South Sudan’s journey,” he said.
However, he noted a need for more resources. The school has 32 teachers, a mix of government employees and part-timers, but faces a teacher shortage.
“We are grateful to the Chinese for their support in building the school, but we still need additional resources like a computer lab and biology and chemistry laboratories,” Jada said. “We urge the Chinese to help fill these gaps.”
The school also lacks a nearby water source, relying on external supplies.
English teacher Betty Kakule Stanley Wani echoed the call for improvements, highlighting security concerns from an insufficient fence and the lack of a library. She said the school follows the South Sudanese national curriculum, offering a range of subjects including sciences and arts.
“We encourage parents and community members to take ownership and support the school,” Wani said.
Justin William Dominic, a Senior Four student, said the supportive teacher-student relationships at the school have improved his performance.
“The teachers here provide clear explanations to help us understand better,” Dominic said. “I believe that with hard work, we can achieve a top ten ranking this year.”
South Sudan faces numerous challenges in its education system, largely due to its history of conflict, political instability, poverty, and underdevelopment.