Aweil State education minister is urging communities to shun early and forced marriages and give girls a chance to pursue education.

Minister Angelo Atak Akol who was addressing a ceremony to mark the National Girl’s Education Day on Thursday in Aweil said many girls have been forced out of school for marriage, denying them an opportunity to bring change to the community and country at large.

“It is important to listen from our female students to tell us what they need us to do for them as the leadership and parents. It is also important the community should stop the early marriages of these girls we have today. The girls should be given the chance of education in various levels,” he stressed.

Atak added that his ministry will work to address challenges facing girl-child education in the state.

Akon Daniel, a student at the South Sudan Education Center said as girls they face many challenges.

“Most of the girls do not have work so they cannot afford to buy pens or even have lunch in school. So this is a major challenge for them. They also do not get any financial support from any quarters to help them with educational materials,” she explained.

Another student Nyirow Wek said some families are to blame as they do not allow their daughters to go to school because of traditional beliefs. But Wek says she is determined to continue with her education despite the numerous challenges affecting her and her peers.