By Yang Ater Yang
At least 141 students graduated from Rumbek Health Science Institute On Friday.
The ceremony was attended by Lakes State government officials, representatives from international and national health partners, and the National Ministry of Health.
The graduating class of 141 students comprised 21 midwives, 68 clinical officers, 37 nurses, and 15 laboratory technicians. This includes 35 female and 106 male students across the four departments.
Deng Makur Mabeny, the Principal of Rumbek Health Science Institute, stated that the institute has now graduated a total of 319 students across three batches.
The first batch comprised 84 graduates, the second batch had 94, and the current third batch includes 141 students.
He tasked the graduates to provide quality healthcare services to their communities.
“I want to tell everyone here that we are not politicians, but healthcare providers in the community,” Principal Mabeny said. “Our motto is to alleviate suffering and promote the health and well-being of the community.”
Dr. Dante Carraro, Director of WANNA Doctors with Africa, highlighted the need for skilled healthcare personnel in South Sudan.
“The health system cannot function effectively without dedicated and competent human resources,” Dr. Carraro said. “We recognize the significant shortage of nurses, midwives, laboratory technicians, and clinical officers in South Sudan. Therefore, the graduation of 142 health professionals today is a remarkable achievement.”
Dr. Carraro reaffirmed the commitment of Doctors Without Borders and CUAAM to supporting the Rumbek Health Science Institute.
“We are delighted to witness the graduation of these new nurses, midwives, and other healthcare professionals,” Dr. Carraro said. “Their success represents a brighter future for South Sudan.”
Stephen Mathiang Deng, the Minister of Cabinet Affairs in Lakes State, representing the Governor, congratulated the graduates.
“You are now officially authorized to serve your community,” Minister Deng said. “Your families are here today to witness this important milestone. You are entrusted with the responsibility of caring for their lives.
Congratulations to you and all the tutors of Rumbek Health Science Institute for this remarkable achievement. It is not an easy task, and saving lives through your efforts is truly commendable.”
Dr. Achiir Mou Adup, Director of Professional Development at the National Ministry of Health, addressed the issue of employment for graduates.
“One of the key challenges mentioned is the employment of graduates,” Dr. Adup said. “All stakeholders have emphasized the need for graduates to seek employment opportunities beyond the state capital. South Sudan is not limited to Juba or the state capitals. There are counties, payams, and bomas where your skills are urgently needed.”
Dr. Adup also stressed the importance of continuous learning and professional development.
“While upgrading your qualifications is important, continuous reading and learning are equally crucial,” Dr. Adup said. “In the healthcare field, you must constantly update your knowledge. If you aspire to pursue higher degrees, such as a PhD, you must begin by reading extensively and expanding your knowledge base.”
Tabitha Nyigang, a graduating student of Clinical Medicine and Public Health, expressed her gratitude.
“I have been studying at the Rumbek Health Science Institute for the past three years, and I am incredibly grateful to God for helping me overcome all the obstacles and successfully complete my studies,” Ms. Nyigang said.
“I would like to express my sincere appreciation to my family and all my tutors for their unwavering support throughout my academic journey.”