By Lodu William Odiya
The Jonglei state Governor, Dr Riek Gai Kok has affirmed education as a productive change for the future generation.
In a statement issued by the governor’s press unit, Gai said that education is one of the biggest investments that the Jonglei must make to bring about lasting and productive change for the future generation.
According to the statement, Gai while speaking during the flag-off ceremony at Bor A Primary School in Jonglei State, underscored the greatness of every child and the greatness of Jonglei State and South Sudan as a whole is hinged on the quality of Education.
“We must ensure our children are healthy enough to learn. The next governor of Jonglei State could emerge from one of our public schools. This is why we are committed to giving the sector the attention it rightly deserves,” the statement read.
Additionally, the statement stated that providing help to the most vulnerable in local communities, the choice of flagging off the back-to-school project across Jonglei cannot be over-emphasised.
“Children are considered from my view, one of the most vulnerable in our society,” statement read.
The statement also underlined that the Governor commended the United Nations International Children Emergency Fund (UNICEF) for their efforts, expressing his commitment to working with them.
“I am aware of UNICEF educational mandate which serves as one of the major protection pillars in providing support in this sector” the statement read.
“In collaboration with the Ministry of Education and UNICEF, the State Government will convene a strategic conference to foster dialogue and generate innovative solutions” the statement noted.
Meanwhile, the statement also stated that the State Minister of General Education & Instruction, Samuel Ador, described the Governor as a lover of education, inferred that the intervention was the beginning of a new dawn.
According to Samuel, the flag-off was one of the most powerful events so far in the history of this administration, stating that the initiative was a precedent for all well-meaning South Sudanese and Jonglei people to follow.
The statement further stressed that he assured that the Ministry of Education will give their utmost support and all that is needed to enable her keep this dream.
Additionally, the statement also stated that the Commissioner for Bor County, Samuel Ateny Pech, Minister for Information & Technology, Nyamar Lony and Bor Municipality Council Mayor, Dr. Agot Alier including National MP, describe it as the best form of democratic dividend.
The statement underscored they explained that the initiative resonates with love, compassion, and humanity, pledging the support of their various offices in ensuring that the back-to-school campaign is sustained.
It also emphasized that a representative from UNICEF, Mr. Duku Francis highlighted that the urgency of the moment that was significant to the people.
“We must confront a sobering reality: in Jonglei State, over 58% of children are out of school, a staggering figure that reflects deep systemic challenges” the statement read.
“However, we must respond with unity and realism. This is a collective responsibility. Together with our partners, we are committed to placing education at the center of our development agenda” the statement also read.
According to the statement, by 2028, people must see measurable improvements.
“That means planning must begin now. Let 2026 be the turning point, the year we prioritize education, invest in solutions, and ensure every child has the opportunity to learn and thrive.” The statement read.
The statement stated that the event, which had traditional rulers, teachers, political actors, representatives of partners and political appointees of government, had highpoint song presentation by pupils of different schools and cultural display by the students.