Returning Residents Appeal for School Rehabilitation in Wuluturu

(YEI RIVER COUNTY) – Residents of Wuluturu area in Yei River County, Central Equatoria State, are calling on local and state governments to renovate their only primary school as displaced families return to the area.

The school became non-functional during the 2016 conflict, when most residents fled as internally displaced persons or refugees to neighbouring countries.

With relative peace now restored, the community is urging the authorities to prioritise rehabilitation of the facility, which serves as the only primary education centre in the area.

Returning resident Khamis Latio, who recently came back from Uganda, described the school’s condition:

“This was once a vibrant primary school. Now it is completely in bad shape. There are no doors, no windows, no blackboards and the walls are worn off. We need urgent rehabilitation of this school structure.”

Latio added that the community is willing to support the renovation by providing local materials and labour.

Esther Dudu, a mother of five, said restoring the school would improve learning and attract more children to study locally.

“Wuluturu Primary School is in poor condition. Renovation will allow girls and younger children to study in the area instead of travelling to town, which is risky and costly,” she said.

Dudu also called on the government to continue prioritising peace and protection of civilians, including public facilities such as schools, hospitals and water points.

Another resident, Taban Gismala, appealed to the government, companies, well wishers and development partners to support the school.

“This school has really helped our children to study locally. We want support so our children can learn in a safe and conducive environment,” he said.

Attempts to get comments from Yei County education officials were unsuccessful at the time of publication.

Recently, the county commissioner, Emmanuel Taban Seme, launched rehabilitation of the Wuluturu bridge, an area previously cut off from basic social services including education, healthcare and clean drinking water.

Wuluturu is located about two kilometres south of Yei town. The area has a significant population, but years of conflict and insecurity have negatively affected access to essential services, including education.

Wuluturu Education Status

The residents of Wuluturu hope that the combined efforts of the government, NGOs, and local community will restore the school, ensuring children have access to education close to home and reducing the need for risky travel to town.