News
UNESCO investing in literacy teachers in South Sudan
鈥淟iteracy is the building block for a more just and peaceful society 鈥 where girls and young women have the capacities to shape their lives, to speak out and be heard鈥.
The Director-General delivered this key message in the graduation ceremony of more than 200 teachers, who completed a two-week intensive training, in cooperation with the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology. The ceremony was held in the city of Yei in the Eastern Equatorial Province.
South Sudan has one of the lowest literacy rates in the world and therefore the training of literacy teachers is the most critical issue that needs to be addressed.
鈥淭eachers are the key to quality education 鈥- each of you is essential鈥 said Irina Bokova. She pointed that even as we call them teachers, they are actually sharers, since 鈥淵ou share knowledge and skills, you share ideas and values, you share a vision of society and a future of peace and reconciliation, a future of prosperity and hope鈥.
Literacy and teachers are two of UNESCO鈥檚 top priorities in South Sudan. Teacher training is a first step in increasing access of girls and women to quality literacy and life skills.
The huge challenge of providing quality learning opportunities needs partners. During the ceremony, UNESCO Special Envoy for Peace and Reconciliation, Forest Whitaker, highlighted the importance of incorporating peace-building skills as an integral part of curriculum in literacy classes.
鈥淵ou are heroes鈥 said Forest Whitaker, 鈥減eace is in the minds of men and women. Through education, you have the unique power of instilling values of dialogue and respect that can bring about lasting peace鈥.
The Director-General was also accompanied by the Minister of Education, Science and Technology of South Sudan, as well as a representative of the US Embassy in Juba, which is funding this UNESCO literacy programme.
鈥淎chieving literacy in South Sudan is an immense challenge鈥 said the Director-General, 鈥渨e are grateful to all our partners. This exemplifies the solidarity and commitment required to overcome illiteracy鈥.
