By Sabri Dibaco
The Ministry of General Education and Instruction in Western Equatoria State has banned school camping across the state until official guidelines are developed to regulate the practice and ensure the safety and protection of learners.
In a letter seen by the No. 1 Citizen Newspaper, caretaker Minister Patrick Thomas Riruyo directed school administrators, parents, guardians, learners, and members of the public to comply with the ban.
The decision followed an Education Cluster Meeting held on October 19 at the State Ministry headquarters in Yambio, where participants unanimously agreed to suspend school camping over concerns about learners’ safety, discipline, protection, and general well-being.
Although school camping is commonly used to help candidates prepare for examinations, the Ministry said the practice would remain prohibited until clear guidelines and compliance requirements are established.
The Ministry directed schools to conduct group revision sessions during daytime hours on school premises under the supervision of school administrators.
It further instructed that night-time revision should be conducted individually at learners’ homes under the supervision and guidance of parents or guardians.
The Ministry said it would consult relevant stakeholders before issuing guidelines that will specify the conditions under which school camping may be permitted in the future.
Until the guidelines are issued, the State Ministry of General Education and Instruction remains the only authority empowered to approve school camping activities.
The directive also calls on the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), together with other relevant security agencies, to stop individuals and institutions from organising, facilitating, or hosting unauthorised school camping activities.
The Ministry warned that anyone who violates the directive will face appropriate legal action.
The ban comes as schools and learners continue preparing for national examinations, with school camping often used to provide candidates with additional revision time and a structured learning environment.
The Ministry urged all stakeholders to work together to protect the safety, dignity, and educational welfare of learners throughout Western Equatoria State.