Yei Women Raise Concern Over Early Marriages Linked to Delayed P.8 Results

(YEI RIVER COUNTY) – Women leaders in Yei have expressed concern over a rise in early marriages among schoolgirls, which they attribute to delays in the release of Primary Leaving Examination (P.8) results.

The Chairlady of the Yei River County Women Association, Alice Siyama, said the trend is particularly affecting girls who completed their primary education last year but have been unable to transition to secondary school due to the delay.

Siyama called on the county state and national education authorities to expedite the release of the results before the end of the first academic term.

“I want to ask the Ministry of Education to ensure the release of P.8 results and send them to learners and parents in Yei. Parents are not happy because their children, especially girls, are getting married as they are unable to join secondary school on time,” she said.

She added that while many parents are willing to support their children’s education, the uncertainty has made it difficult for them to plan for the next academic level.

Meanwhile, civil society leaders in the area said they are preparing a legal petition to the county education department, seeking clarification on the delay in releasing the examination results.

However, the County Education Director, Philip Taban, last week urged parents to remain patient, noting that his office is still awaiting the official delivery of the results.

Stakeholders warn that prolonged delays could continue to disrupt learners’ transition to secondary education and increase the risk of early marriages among vulnerable girls in the area.