The government of Yei River State and Non-governmental Organizations operating in the area have been urged to promote girl-child education in the state.
Speaking to Radio Tamazuj in Yei, several school girls said that the government needed to pay adequate attention to girl-child education system through policy framework and funding, pointing out that many girls drop out due to the current economic crisis in the country.
Winny Juru, a secondary school student at Emmanuel Christian College, said a consistent and well-articulated plan for girl-child education is needed and it should have more than adequate budget for girls’ education in order to keep them in school.
“I would like to make this appeal to the NGOs and the government to support girls’ education to fight illiteracy in the country,” she said.
Winny noted that she is motivated to study in order to become a nurse in the future because mothers and children have been dying due to lack of qualified medical cadres in Yei.
Winny believes that prioritizing girls’ education will help in addressing challenges facing the state. Winny advised parents to take care of their children and also prioritize their education.
For her part, Yei River State Minister for Education Lona Sadia said her ministry supports participation of all children in school.
“My message to the girls, this is the chance because schools are open for you including the drop outs, enroll today so that you participate in the development of this country. We are working very hard to create a favorable learning environment for you, “she said.