By Inyani Martin Kassim
JRS Assistant Primary Education Coordinator, Nimule, Southern Sudan

(Nimule) August 23, 2010 – Seventy-two teachers will teach more effectively in 25 JRS-supported primary schools after each attending one of the three-day workshops on teaching skills organized by JRS for untrained teachers in Nimule, Mugali and Pageri sub-counties in Magwi county, Eastern Equatoria state, Southern Sudan.

The workshops were conducted for teachers who have not received any college-based training after completing their secondary education. The training content covered teaching and learning methods, lesson development, lesson presentation skills and how to assess the performance of students and teachers. It was facilitated by five qualified primary teachers, two of whom are JRS staff members. The overall aim of such workshops is to help the Government of Southern Sudan (GoSS) enhance quality education.

In his opening remarks for one of the workshops, outgoing JRS Nimule Director Lagu Angelo informed participants that JRS projects are scheduled to conclude in Southern Sudan in December 2012. “I ask you to reveal your needs, particularly in the area of teacher training so that JRS can address them within the remaining two years,” he said. “The number of untrained teachers is still huge, so I expect you to show interest in upgrading your skills,” Mr. Lagu said.

In all three sub-counties, participants thanked JRS for organizing the workshops. “It equipped me with teaching and learning skills I would otherwise not have,” said Kajacu Silver Okomi, one of the participants. “Please continue offering possibilities for teachers to obtain certificates during the next two years,” he added.

According to statistics obtained from education officials of the three sub-counties, 170 out of a total of 383 teachers who teach at 25 JRS supported primary schools are untrained. To enhance the quality of teaching in primary schools, JRS offers teachers scholarships at colleges and universities. Since JRS first started working in Nimule in 1997 the organization helped 115 teachers to obtain teaching certificates and another 20 to complete training at diploma level. Another 64 teachers are yet to complete their courses at both levels.

Teacher training is one of the main educational needs the GoSS and various humanitarian agencies have identified among the population of Southern Sudan and much remains to be done in this area to promote quality education.