By Charles Kay Mark
President of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), Dennis Francis has encouraged school-going children to pursue and dedicate themselves to education
Speaking to the media at the commemoration of the International Day of the Children, Francis emphasized the transformative power of education for the country’s young people.
“It is possible, and it is doable. It takes hard work and commitment, but it does happen. And so, education is really the key to success, not just individual success, but to the success of the country,” he said.
Francis noted that a concerning 70% of children in South Sudan are not in school due to a shortage of educational facilities.
He also observed a lack of qualified teachers, which he said is depriving children of the opportunities they need to thrive.
“You can communicate in the world, and these are very basic functions but extremely important, being able to communicate effectively. Education is the ultimate equalizer,” Francis emphasized.
Drawing from his own experience, the UNGA president shared that “I came from a working-class family. And now, I suppose, I’m in the middle class.”
Francis urged learners to embrace the transformative potential of education.
The UNGA president pledged to make education a top priority during his UNGA presidency, underlining its vital role in unlocking doors and expanding mind