State Education Ministry Moves to Tackle Teacher Shortage in CES

(YEI, CENTRAL EQUATORIA STATE) – The Central Equatoria State government has announced new teacher training programmes and education reforms aimed at addressing shortages of qualified teachers and improving the quality of learning in schools across the state.

State Minister of General Education and Instruction Lupai Satimon announced the plans while attending the 18th graduation ceremony of Emmanuel Christian University in Yei, where he represented the Caretaker Governor of Central Equatoria State.

Satimon said financial constraints and inadequate numbers of qualified teachers remain major challenges affecting primary, secondary and technical schools.

He said poor financial conditions have forced some teachers to leave government schools in search of better-paying opportunities with non-governmental organisations and private institutions, contributing to shortages in public schools.

To address the situation, the minister said the government plans to introduce both short-term and long-term teacher training programmes.

Satimon said short-term in-service training is expected to begin in December, targeting volunteer teachers who have served in schools for years without professional teacher training.

Under the programme, the ministry will review the academic documents of volunteer teachers to identify those who meet the requirements for formal recruitment into government service and subsequent professional training.

Several institutions have been identified to support the programme, including Yei Teachers Training College, Emmanuel Christian University and the Catholic University of South Sudan, alongside other teacher-training institutions.

The minister said the government also plans to introduce long-term professional training opportunities, with scholarships expected to be advertised for qualified applicants interested in pursuing teaching careers.

As part of broader reforms, Satimon said the ministry is conducting an internal audit to assess its operations and identify areas requiring improvement.

He added that the ministry has developed a Central Equatoria State General Education and Instruction Policy, which is awaiting validation before being presented to the Council of Ministers.

Meanwhile, the minister has urged candidates preparing for the Primary Leaving and South Sudan Certificate of Secondary Education examinations to remain confident and avoid examination malpractice.

Satimon encouraged candidates to rely on the knowledge and skills they have acquired during their studies rather than resorting to cheating during examinations.

He reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to improving teachers’ welfare, strengthening quality assurance and school inspection, and improving education services across Central Equatoria State.