The Ministry of General Education and Instruction, UNICEF and other partners on Monday launched radio programmes for primary and senior classes to ensure children continue to learn during covid-19 lockdown.
The educational radio programmes for children are to enable more children continue learning while schools are closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The lessons covering English language, Mathematics and Sciences will be live on Radio Miraya and SSBC from Monday to Friday between 10 and 11 O’clock in the morning and 2 and 3 O’clock in the afternoon.
During the live sessions given by teachers, students can call toll-free numbers to reach teachers in the studios if they have questions.
The number for radio Miraya is 3030, for SSBC 4040 and on Saturdays and Sundays; the radio stations will be airing pre-recorded lessons.
An overview of the lessons will be given every morning on Radio Miraya and SSBC and UNICEFs large network of mobilizers will also inform communities across the country.
‘Education is a right for all children. In this difficult and uncertain time, education becomes much more important, particularly for girls and children with disabilities, who are most hit by this pandemic”, said Awut Deng Acuil, Minister of General Education and Instruction.
‘I therefore do urge all our children, especially my daughters to take this opportunity and attend lessons on radio’, she appealed.
Awut thanked the EU, the Global Partnership for Education, the Government of Norway, UKAID and USAID for their generous contribution making this happening.
‘A big thank you to MTN for arranging the toll-free numbers and we would also like to express our appreciation to Save the Children International, UNMISS and UNESCO for their contributions to children’s learning during these unprecedented and trying moments’, she appreciated.
‘While this initiative will keep children engaged, it is crucial to constantly keep working to prepare schools for an immediate safe reopening as soon as this is decided,’ said Mohamed Ag Ayoya, the UNICEF South Sudan Representative.
He said ‘a balance must be found between the benefits of the school closures versus the harm done to children’s learning and therefore their future. The newest knowledge about the disease must be applied to these analyses’.
The radio lessons initiative is planned to run for six months, depending on how the outbreak of COVID-19 evolves in South Sudan.