By James Innocent
Yei Teacher Training College (YTTC), a flagship institution of the Episcopal Church of South Sudan’s Diocese of Yei, graduated 92 students as it marked 25 years of teacher training and professional education last week.
The graduation ceremony, held on Thursday, brought together education officials, county authorities, development partners, parents, graduates, and members of the Yei community.
The college said 76 students graduated with certificates, comprising 21 women and 55 men, while 18 students completed diploma programs in education.
Two women graduated from the Faculty of Agriculture as agricultural extension workers, while 10 students completed programs in the Music Department.
During the ceremony, YTTC Principal Dr James Kepo urged the graduates to apply the knowledge, professional skills, and values acquired during their training.
“We are witnessing the graduation of 92 fresh teachers whom we are sending into the field. This college has been consistent in producing teachers every year, and we are adding another number of teachers to the workforce,” Kepo said.
He called on the government to increase investment in education, particularly teacher training, arguing that investment in human capital would provide longer-term benefits to the country.
“Our oil will one day go, and even the minerals will go. But when you invest in human beings, that knowledge multiplies itself,” he said.
Kepo also encouraged the graduates to uphold professional standards and good character as they enter the workforce.
“I want to urge them to carry with them the values, character, and everything they have been prepared for, for the sake of the children of South Sudan,” he said.
Call for employment of trained teachers
Amule Felix, acting chairperson of the YTTC Board of Governors, said the institution would continue upgrading its academic programs.
He appealed to national and state education authorities to employ qualified graduates, citing staffing challenges in schools.
“Many schools are being handled by untrained teachers. Why don’t we have these graduates employed? It is my plea to the national ministry and the state ministries of education,” Felix said.
He also raised concerns about the attractiveness of the teaching profession, particularly in relation to salaries.
Call to support girls returning to school
Representing the National Ministry of General Education and Instruction, Ustaz Esther Okumu urged parents to support pregnant girls and young mothers who wish to continue their education.
“A girl should re-enter school after giving birth. So, parents should not back away because they have given birth or are pregnant. They should come back to school,” Okumu said.
She described teachers as central to the development of the country.
“Teachers are sources of development, and without them there are no schools and no other professions that will be known,” she said.
Aloro Peter, a diploma graduate, said his training had equipped him with teaching strategies that he intends to use to improve learners’ understanding.
“Through the knowledge that I have gained from YTTC, I have been able to identify teaching strategies and methods that can help learners understand a topic or concept easily,” he said.
Another graduate, Tumalu Ruth, said her training had strengthened her classroom-management skills and understanding of inclusive education.
“As a professional teacher now, I am proud because being trained makes you understand how to deal with children, how to manage a class, and how to control the learners,” she said.
She added that she had also learned how to prepare lesson plans and schemes of work.
Chief guest Dr Paul Pitia urged the graduates to maintain discipline, humility, and compassion as they begin their professional careers.
“Teaching is more than a profession; it is a vocation of service. You will now enter classrooms, and you will not only teach. You are going out not only taking knowledge but also integrity, humility, compassion, and discipline, and you are going to change and transform our communities,” Pitia said.
Development partners also pledged continued support for teacher education.
Yei River County Executive Director Hillary Lokudu Muhammed welcomed the anniversary celebrations and called for unity among students and members of the community as part of efforts to promote peace in the county.
Lokudu said the celebration was among the most colorful events he had witnessed during his 32 years of working with local government.
The ceremony marked YTTC’s 12th graduation and its 25th anniversary, with graduates receiving certificates and diplomas in education, agriculture, and music.