By Yien Gattuor
At least 21 primary schools in Koch County, Unity State, are operating under trees due to lack of classrooms.
Since South Sudan’s independence, no structures have been erected, and pupils have been studying outside under tree shades.
James Gatluak, a pupil at Zarbor Primary School in the seventh grade, spoke with No. 1 Citizen Daily Newspaper on Monday to share his experience about the institution’s learning environment.
“I used to go to school to learn under trees at Zarbor Primary School on a daily basis. The school pupils’ number is reducing daily because when it rains, we used to go back home,” he said.
The student begged the Unity State administration to build classroom buildings for the 21 elementary schools in order to provide students and staff with a comfortable learning environment.
“Now, I am still wondering with my state government in this matter. I have nothing to say to teachers because Unity State has no good links with or accessibility to the teachers of Koch County,” he lamented.
Moses Bichiok, the head teacher of Zarbor primary school, also explained that there are not enough school learning facilities that have been constructed in Koch County.
He said it is a very difficult situation for them as teachers and the pupils.
“We run home when the rain comes, we don’t have room to save the exercise books of our pupils; it is better for them to go back home,” he explained.
Mr. Moses also appealed to the government and development partners to construct learning structures for them to address their dire condition.
“This is where our pupils will have good knowledge,” he noted.
The head teacher further raised the issue of school materials.
“We are lacking school supplies from Bentiu to Koch County due to road accessibility” he noted, “but our road has been opened and is now working again”.
Meanwhile, Koch County education director, Mr. Gatluak Gatpart, acknowledged that there are quite a number of schools that were established since independence but have not been built.
According to Gatpart, there are 32 primary and secondary schools in Koch County, 10 primary schools were constructed.
However, one secondary school and 21other primary schools still conduct teaching under trees.
“I appeal to the government and United Nations International Children’s Education Fund (UNICEF), to construct the remaining schools,” he urged.