Kanyara Secondary School Struggles with Shortage of Trained Teachers

(MOROBO COUNTY) – Authorities and stakeholders at Kanyara Secondary School in South Sudan’s Morobo County have raised concerns over the persistent shortage of trained teachers, alongside inadequate learning materials and furniture, which continue to hinder the delivery of quality secondary education in the area.

Morobo County, a strategic town bordering Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo, has endured years of conflict, displacement and recurring insecurity since the outbreak of violence in 2016. These challenges have significantly affected the development of the education sector.

The county currently has only one secondary school, Kanyara Secondary School at a time when many displaced families are returning home and seeking educational opportunities for their children. Despite the growing demand for secondary and higher education, resources remain limited.

Originally vandalized during past conflicts, the school was rehabilitated by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) to help address the pressing need for secondary education in the region. Since its reopening, the school has enrolled more than 150 students, ranging from Senior One to Senior Four.

However, all classes are currently being handled by untrained volunteer teachers, raising concerns about the quality of education being delivered. The school also lacks essential facilities needed to create a conducive learning environment.

On Wednesday, Morobo County Commissioner Joseph Mawa Okuba visited the school to assess the situation and understand the challenges faced by both students and staff. During the visit, school administrators, teachers and students highlighted key issues including the lack of qualified teachers, insufficient furniture, absence of teacher salaries, limited scholastic materials and poor sanitation facilities.

In response, Commissioner Mawa directed the acting head teacher to compile a comprehensive list of volunteer teachers who could be considered for enrollment in an in-service training program at Yei Teachers Training College. The initiative aims to enhance teaching capacity and improve the quality of education in the county.

The Commissioner also encouraged students to remain resilient and committed to their studies despite the prevailing challenges, reaffirming the government’s intention to support education in the region.

Kanyara Secondary School remains a vital institution for the community, but stakeholders say urgent intervention is needed to ensure it meets the growing educational needs of Morobo County.