By Ijoo Bosco
Education authorities in Obbo Payam of Magwi County in Eastern Equatoria State said the introduction of Alternative Learning Program (ALP) and community girls’ school has minimized school dropout in the area.
Obbo Payam Education Supervisor said introduction of alternative leaning programme centers and community girls’ school have limited rampant cases of school drop out in the Payam
Last year, Magwi County Education department said more than 1,000 community members have enrolled in adult literacy programme across the County.
In an exclusive interview with No. 1 Citizen Daily Newspaper, Mr. Odera Anthony Okia said BRAC international organization introduced ALP in Obbo primary school, Palotaka primary school and Pambala primary school and community girls’ school respectively.
He said ALP and community girls’ school which does require learners to pay school fees and put on uniform have encouraged parents to send their children to the school.
According to him, poverty is among the catalyst steering school dropout in Obbo Payam and early pregnancy coupled with alcoholic drinking within the community.
He also added that other factors include high charges of tuition fees by school administrators.
The Payam Education Supervisor said this has resulted in high rate of school dropout last year.
“We are very grateful for the ALP members that have sold our name in the State and in South Sudan, but we are calling for all of you who dropped out to return back for education, and you our parents, let’s try our best to control our people beside backsliding to the world,” added Odera.
He further urged all parents to send their children to school saying this may stop other children from indulging into theft practices and drinking alcohol.