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Schools in Eastern Equatoria state have missed a total of 21-day after the state government declared Fridays compulsory cultivation days.
State Education Minister, Michael Lopuke Lotyam issued a ministerial order on Thursday for schools operate five days a week.Despite of issuing of the circular many schools did not operate on Friday.
The head teacher of Imilai Primary School, Luta Charles said a circular was issued late for teachers and parents to mobilize pupils to resume studies.
He said it will not be easy for a school with only two government’s paid teachers and four volunteers to recover the lost days of the term.
Eastern Equatoria state council of ministers had resolved on April 12 to declare Friday and Saturday as compulsory cultivation days but the program has negatively affected schools and health centres in the state.
Students from several schools in the state complained of the negative impacts of the program on their learning saying they are losing lessons and are likely to fail completing the annual syllabus.
Similar complaints were raised by patients following insufficient service due to unreliable workers in some health centres.
Governor Louis Lobong Lojore said the cultivation days were not applicable for teachers, health workers and security personnel as they play critical roles that require much attention.
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