Ministry of education promises to construct 10 schools for returnees in Unity state

The national minister of general education and instruction, Awut Deng Acuil on Tuesday promised to construct 10 primary schools in Unity State.

This was revealed during the handover of the fully constructed Bentiu Girls primary school.

The school was constructed with support from the UN Children’s’ Fund (UNICEF) with funding from the African Development Bank (AfDB).

“I assure you, the ministry of general education and instruction will construct 10 additional schools to accommodate returnees who are will to go back to learning,” said Acuil.

She also promised to integrate volunteer teachers on the government payroll.

Acuil said the national government already increased salaries for civil servants including teachers.

Unity state minister of education and instruction, Stephen Tot Chieng appreciated UNICEF and AfDB for constructing the Bentiu girls primary school.

He also said that many children are learning under trees because of flooding and lack of primary schools in the state.

For his part, the Unity state acting governor and minister of local government and law enforcement agencies, William Dak Koy said they will work together with education partners to improve learning condition for learners.

Unity state is among those overwhelmed by the recent influx of thousands of returnees fleeing ongoing conflict in neighboring Sudan since April 15.

South Sudan is currently hosting nearly 350,000 returnees including refugees who fled deadly fighting in Sudan.