By Hou Akot Hou
Leaders and former students taught by the late veteran teacher, Ustaz William Amoi, have pledged to honor him by constructing a school in his name.
These promises were made following his burial in Ariath, Aweil North County.
Ustaz Amoi, who died earlier this month at the age of 100, was widely celebrated for shaping generations of South Sudanese leaders through decades of service across Kuajok, Wau and El Fasher.
Former national minister Dr. Dhieu Mathok, a family member, said the teacher’s impact remains visible across the country.
“Many people have been uplifted by William Amoi, including myself and even President Kiir,” Dr. Mathok said.
“He left footprints in every community he taught, and we have agreed to build a school to honour him,” continued Mathok.
Mathok added that speakers at the funeral recalled Amoi’s role during the liberation war, including helping recover abducted children.
One former abductee; now an engineer also committed to supporting the construction of the memorial school.
“Ustaz Amoi did a lot, including rescuing children captured during the war,” Mathok said.
“Those he helped, and those he taught, have pledged to join efforts to establish a school bearing his name.”
He also described the late educator as a humble figure who valued service over political ambition.
“There was a time when Uncle William Amoi wanted to contest against the late Lual Diing Wol,” Mathok recalled adding, “He later withdrew and even advised his nephew not to challenge Lual. Such humility is rare today.”
Amoi is survived by several accomplished children living both in South Sudan and abroad. Mathok said his values and integrity should inspire the next generation.
“He stands out among those who contributed deeply to nation-building. We hope the country will emulate his character,” he said.
The responsibility now falls on those he taught and those who publicly pledged to deliver on the commitment to build a lasting physical facility in his honor, either in Ariath or elsewhere in Northern Bahr el Ghazal, where he spent most of his teaching career.