Monday’s ministerial reshuffle by President H.E. General Salva Kiir Mayardit, which led to the removal of Madam Awut Deng Achuil as Minister of General Education and Instruction, has sparked widespread concern among education stakeholders. A seasoned politician and passionate advocate for education, Hon. Awut played a decisive role in transforming South Sudan’s education sector, leaving behind a lasting impact that continues to resonate.
As the first woman to hold the position of Minister of General Education and Instruction in South Sudan, Hon. Awut Deng Achuil broke barriers and set a new standard for leadership. Her tenure was marked by significant progress in improving educational access, particularly for girls and marginalized communities. Under her leadership, key policies were introduced to promote inclusive education, enhance curriculum development, and strengthen teacher training programs, ensuring a more structured and effective learning environment.
One of her most notable achievements was the push for free and compulsory primary education, a policy aimed at leveling the playing field for children from disadvantaged backgrounds. Recognizing the financial and infrastructural challenges facing the education sector, she actively collaborated with international donors and education partners to secure funding for school construction and the provision of learning materials, despite irregularities in civil servants’ salary payments in South Sudan.
During her tenure, South Sudan saw a notable increase in school enrollment among girls, a result of her persistent efforts to dismantle cultural and economic barriers that had traditionally restricted girls’ access to education. Working in collaboration with global organizations like UNICEF and UNESCO, she spearheaded campaigns that tackled pressing issues such as early marriage, gender-based violence, and the stigma surrounding menstruation. The introduction of programs that provided sanitary pads in schools and reinforced policies against child marriage were among the key milestones she championed, ensuring that girls could remain in school and complete their education.
Despite South Sudan’s fragile economy and ongoing political instability, Hon. Awut remained steadfast in her mission to sustain and strengthen the country’s education system. When the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted learning nationwide, she took decisive action to develop alternative education solutions, including radio and digital learning programs. These initiatives ensured that learners could continue their education remotely, while she worked closely with health authorities to facilitate the safe reopening of schools once conditions allowed.
Another groundbreaking achievement under her leadership was the successful implementation of South Sudan’s first-ever national examinations. This milestone marked a major step toward standardizing education, providing learners with structured pathways to higher learning and career opportunities. The introduction of national examinations reinforced the credibility of the education system and was instrumental in paving the way for future educational reforms.
President Salva Kiir’s decision to remove Hon. Awut Deng Achuil from her ministerial position raises serious questions about the government’s commitment to sustaining educational advancements. Many education stakeholders, including myself, view her removal as a setback, fearing that it could disrupt the ongoing reforms she had tirelessly worked to implement. With lingering challenges such as teacher strikes, insufficient funding, and stark disparities in school access across states, the absence of strong, experienced leadership could further complicate efforts to stabilize the education sector.
In my view, reshuffling a results-driven minister at such a crucial time undermines the progress made in strengthening South Sudan’s education system. This abrupt leadership change may stall critical projects and policies initiated under Hon. Awut’s tenure.
As South Sudan transitions to new leadership in the education sector, the incoming Minister of General Education and Instruction faces an immense responsibility to sustain the momentum of reforms and uphold commitments made to international donors and education stakeholders. The pressure will mount for the government to demonstrate its commitment to preserving and advancing the gains achieved under Hon. Awut’s leadership.
Hon. Awut Deng Achuil’s contributions to South Sudan’s education landscape will remain a beacon of hope for a country striving to build a literate, empowered, and progressive generation. Despite her removal, which may be viewed through a political lens, her profound impact on education is undeniable. As the nation moves forward, one pressing question lingers: Will the new leadership carry forward the positive changes initiated under Hon. Awut, or will South Sudan’s education sector face yet another setback? Only time will tell.
The author, James Bilal, is a human rights advocate and researcher. He can be reached via email at goodbidal@gmail.com.
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