High dropout rate of girls from schools is the major challenge to the education programme in Lakes State.
Robinson Odong Wani, Education Field Coordinator for the Catholic Diocese of Rumbek, told the diocesan assembly that there are many girls leaving school before finishing their studies.He added that the school dropout rates were a major concern for the Church and for the State Ministry of Education and other stakeholders.
Mr. Odong explained the issue has been under discussion in meetings organized by the education ministry and the local culture is one of the factors to blame for the high dropout rate of girls from schools.
Mr. Odong reported that some teachers serving in diocesan schools face financial discrimination because of the erroneous claim that the Catholic diocese of Rumbek is financially endowed thanks to multiple donors and school fees paid by pupils and that it can afford to pay well all its teachers.
He urged the school administrators to be accountable and transparent, explaining that this will help clear the misconception that the Church has too much money for education.
Mr. Odong said the education ministry expects the diocesan schools to follow strictly the academic calendar prepared by the ministry and classes should begin on March 1.
He urged the Church Personnel to abide by the regulations given by the ministry.