[OPEN LETTER] – Eye Safety for School Children

Open Letter

Honourable Minister of General Education and Instruction
Republic of South Sudan
Juba, South Sudan

Subject: Advocacy Appeal on the Risks of Raising a Generation With Eye Problems Due to Unsafe School Transportation Practices

Honourable Minister,

Education remains the cornerstone of human capital development and the foundation on which every nation builds its future. Across South Sudan, parents strive daily to ensure their children attend school despite numerous socio-economic challenges. This commitment to education is both admirable and essential for national progress.

However, there is growing concern about the safety and health risks that many school going children face every morning during transportation, especially those carried on boda bodas (motorcycles). It is increasingly common in Juba and other parts of the country to see young children transported on motorcycles without protective helmets or eyeglasses.

The immediate risk of accidents is clear, but what is often overlooked is the long term danger of eye damage caused by constant exposure to dust, wind, sunlight and other environmental elements. Without proper protection, these children are at high risk of developing chronic eye conditions that could affect their vision and academic performance in the future.

We therefore appeal to the Ministry of General Education and Instruction, in collaboration with the Boda Boda Association, UNICEF, the Ministry of Health, and other stakeholders, to implement urgent measures aimed at:

+ Raising public awareness about the importance of children’s eye and head protection during transportation.

+ Enforcing safety guidelines that require helmets and protective eyewear for school-going children using motorcycles.

+ Engaging eye specialists and NGOs to conduct school and community based eye care awareness campaigns.

+ Encouraging local businesses and partners to support affordable or subsidised provision of children’s safety gear.

Protecting the eyesight and physical safety of our children today is an investment in the future health and productivity of our nation. Immediate action is required to prevent a silent public health crisis in the coming years.

We trust that your esteemed office will address this matter with urgency and seriousness.

Sincerely,
Mr. Muto Lo’Buda Wata
Concerned Parent and Citizen of the Republic of South Sudan
Email: thomasmutoytdo@gmail.com
Juba, South Sudan

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