At least 14 teachers graduated from the Maridi National Teachers Training Institute (MNTTI) in Western Equatoria State last Friday and were awarded Certificates in Primary Education following a two-year training program.
Notably, all the graduates were male.
Addressing the occasion, Jackson Wilson Sebit, the principal of the institute, said he was happy with the dedication exhibited by the graduates throughout their training.
“These students diligently participated in all the lessons and have been aptly equipped to excel in their roles as educators in primary schools,” he said. “This graduation marks a pivotal moment for both the teachers and the arrival of 72 new students for the new academic year. These graduates have admirably completed a comprehensive two-year training program in primary education.”
“Their training has encompassed a holistic approach in both primary school and early childhood education covering academic prowess, professional ethics, and a strong sense of responsibility for their future roles in various educational and professional contexts,” Principal Sebit explained.
He said that Friday’s graduation, held under the theme ‘Ensuring Quality Teachers’ Education in South Sudan,’ comes at a pivotal juncture when the nation is in dire need of skilled and dedicated educators.
Meanwhile, the National Minister of General Education and Instruction, Awut Deng, urged the graduates to diligently impart the knowledge they have acquired to learners and pledged the government’s commitment to improving education across the country.
She advised the new teachers to be diligent in their work.
“You are armed with the tools of knowledge and insight and entrusted with a crucial task. The students under your care will look up to you as mentors and role models. Your responsibility as the cornerstones of our education system is monumental,” Awut said. “It is your duty to guide our education towards the right path and elevate learning outcomes. The current state of our education system is fragile and necessitates fortification. Teacher training should not merely focus on classroom responsibilities but extend to their roles as contributors to the broader community.”
“Teachers should contemplate what they can contribute to their nation rather than what the nation can offer to them,” the minister added.
For his part, Western Equatoria State Governor Alfred Futuyo Karaba urged for collaboration between the national and state governments to improve salaries for teachers and healthcare workers across the country.
He also expressed concern about the inconsistency between politicians’ promises of free education and their preference to enroll their children in expensive private schools.
The National Minister Public Service and Human Resource Management, Joseph Bangasi Bakosoro, appealed to the new teachers to be diligent at their jobs and never abandon the profession.
“You should serve this country, with or without money,” he urged. “Please continue to further your studies by attaining diplomas and degrees and everyone should go to school to be a patriotic citizen of this country.”
“The essence of my message goes to the national and state governments and is a plea to prioritize the welfare of teachers and healthcare workers,” he said. “After all, without adequate health services, a good life remains elusive. Similarly, without quality education, the future of our country remains uncertain.”
The Maridi National Teachers Training Institute was opened in 1954 and is the oldest teacher training Institute in South Sudan. Its activities were disrupted by the liberation struggle and it was revived in 2019.