Heavens Institute has begun its first semester examinations for 25 journalism students at its Wau campus in Western Bahr el Ghazal state, marking a milestone for the private training institution as it expands its education programmes.
The institute, which has operated in South Sudan for more than seven years, offers diploma and certificate courses in journalism, mass communication, information technology, nursing, nutrition, computer studies, international trade and other livelihood skills.
Speaking to Radio Tamazuj on Friday during the launch of the examinations in Wau, the institute’s president, Kawac Deng, said the institution aims to equip South Sudanese with practical skills to improve their livelihoods.
“Heavens Institute has been here for a long time. We started as a small centre offering short courses in livelihood skills, computer studies, journalism, mass communication, international trade and nursing,” Deng said.
He said the institute has enrolled students in diploma programmes, with some having already graduated.
“Today, students at our Wau campus have officially begun their first semester, first-year examinations. Those sitting the exams are studying journalism, mass media and communication, nursing and nutrition,” he said.
Deng said the institute plans to roll out examinations at its campuses in other states across South Sudan in the coming months.
Students welcomed the start of the examinations, describing them as an important step in their academic journey.
Libin Kunda, a journalism student, said the first examination had been a positive experience.
“Today we started our examinations at the institute. The exam was not difficult; it was good. It is our first experience, and we are looking forward to even better things ahead,” Kunda said.
Another student, Nixcon Gabriel, who is studying mass communication and information technology, said the examinations marked an important achievement for the institute’s first cohort of diploma students.
“Today is our first examination at the institute. The first paper focused on mass communication and information technology. This is important for us as journalists in Western Bahr el Ghazal because we are the institute’s first diploma class,” Gabriel said.
Gabriel called on local and international organisations to support the institute as it expands its programmes.
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