Local authorities in Pigi County, Jonglei State, are appealing for urgent educational support as primary schools face potential closure due to a lack of funding.
Machok Duot Deng, the county education director, told Radio Tamazuj on Sunday that students are struggling to attend classes due to a lack of basic learning materials, a situation worsened by persistent flooding and insecurity in the area.
“There is a lack of funding, and that has led to a shortage of essential supplies like exercise books, pens, and rulers for our 7,107 schoolchildren,” he said. “Even chalk is lacking for teachers.”
Deng said the county has about 45 teachers, all working voluntarily as they have not received government salaries or incentives from partners.
“We appeal for support from government and humanitarian partners,” he added.
Santo Monyluak, one of the volunteer teachers, said the lack of salaries is affecting the quality of education.
“We are teaching these pupils on a voluntary basis because we are part of the community,” Monyluak said. “We have not been paid for months, so our situation as teachers is difficult—let alone that of the learners.”
A Grade 6 pupil, who identified himself as Monyuat Kuol, also voiced concern over the conditions.
“There are no pens, erasers, textbooks, or exercise books. We just go to school without proper services. Our situation is not good,” he said.
Paul Pur, a local resident and the area’s paramount chief, echoed the call for assistance. He said parents are unable to provide school supplies for their children due to being cut off from the rest of the country by flooding and insecurity.