By Hou Akot Hou
The Northern Bahr el Ghazal State Minister of General Education and Instruction, Akoon Diing Angok, has called on girls across the state to remain committed to their education, warning that the increasing rate of school dropouts among girls threatens their future and the country’s development.
Speaking during the launch of the “Talk to Your Daughter” campaign in Mabil, Aweil East County, on Saturday, June 27, the minister encouraged girls to persevere despite the financial and social challenges that often force many to abandon their studies.
“To all our girls, continue with your education despite the hardships you may face,” Angok said.
“Do not be attracted by wealth without education. A good education opens doors to better opportunities and enables you to build a stable family and a successful future,” he added.
The minister stressed that education empowers women to become financially independent and make informed decisions for themselves and their families.
“When you complete your education, you will be able to earn a living, raise healthy children, and contribute positively to society. Let successful and educated women inspire you to pursue your dreams,” he said.
Angok also appealed to men and families to support girls’ education instead of encouraging early marriage.
“Why rush to marry off girls when they are pursuing knowledge? Education benefits not only the individual but the entire community. Give them time to finish their studies because education pays,” he said.
The event also featured remarks from the president of the Aweil East County Youth Association, Adim Maduok, who expressed concern over the low level of educational attainment among young people in Northern Bahr el Ghazal State.
“When you assess the level of education among our youth, it is worrying. Many young people drop out in primary school or after completing Senior Four because they focus entirely on business activities,” Maduok said.
He acknowledged that engaging in business is important for earning a livelihood but urged young people to balance entrepreneurship with education.
“There is nothing wrong with doing business, but education should not be neglected. A business can fail, but knowledge remains with you for life,” he said.
Maduok attributed the high dropout rate largely to poverty, which forces many students to abandon their education in search of income.
He encouraged young people to seek scholarships and other forms of support to complete their university education.
“Continue asking for assistance from those willing to help you finish your studies. Investing in education is investing in your future,” he added.
The Talk to Your Daughter campaign was organised by female university students from Aweil East County currently studying in Juba.
The initiative aims to encourage girls to remain in school, resist early marriage, and overcome social pressures that hinder their education.
The event attracted a large gathering of community members, including traditional chiefs, education officials, teachers, intellectuals, parents and youth leaders.
During interactive sessions, the university students shared their personal experiences and encouraged schoolgirls to remain focused on their studies despite the challenges they face.
Organisers expressed hope that the campaign would help reduce school dropout rates among girls and inspire more families to support the education of their daughters, recognising it as a key driver of social and economic development in Northern Bahr el Ghazal State.