Pupils from Bor Mixed Primary School perform at celebrations to mark the International Day of the African Child celebrations in Bor. [Gurtong/Gabriel Mayom]
By Gabriel Mayom
BOR, 18 June 2012 [Gurtong] - Jonglei State Governor Kuol Manyang Juuk told state residents during celebrations to mark the 22 Anniversary of the International Day of the African Child in Bor that most parents, including government officials have opted to send their children overseas in search of quality education.
The celebrations held Saturday coincided with the local education day at the Ministry of Education premises.
Governor Juuk admitted that most South Sudanese sent their children to other countries due to lack of adequate learning facilities and qualified teachers in the country.
“I urge all Jonglei State officials and other officials from various states of South Sudan to bring their children back home to study here. The State Ministry of Education has announced plans to upgrade schools in the rural areas”, said the Governor.
Children who spoke to Gurtong during the celebrations called upon the state government to address various issues faced by children including early marriages and domestic abuse.
They also called for the setting up of schools for orphans to cater for the rising numbers of orphans.
“I appeal to Governor Kuol Manyang and our parents as well South Sudan Ministry of Education officials to introduce stringent laws that forbid early marriages”, said a pupil at Bor Girls Primary School Roda Ajak Agoto.
The children also called for an end to child abductions that have become rampant in the state.