Prepared by Simona Ali Manyang
A civil society activist in Western Bahr el Ghazal State has commended the state for ranking among the top five in South Sudan’s eighth-grade national examination results.
Stephen Rabo Musa, Regional Coordinator of Community Empowerment for Progress Organization and Head of the Civil Society Organizations Network, said the achievement reflects the efforts of school administrations and the government’s role in maintaining security in the state.
However, Rabo also pointed to challenges affecting public schools, including declining educational standards and limited attention to government schools that once produced many of the country’s leaders.
He noted that the state has important resources such as school facilities, qualified teachers, and the presence of Bahr El Ghazal University, but lacks clear strategies to support public education effectively.
Rabo urged the government to develop stronger strategies to improve public schools and reduce growing dependence on private schools.
He added that with better coordination and planning, public schools could once again provide quality education for most children in the region.