By James Innocent
The headmaster of Jigomoni Nursery and Primary School in Yei River County, Taban David Eluzai, has welcomed support from the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) Chinese Battalion while appealing for assistance to address the school’s infrastructure and staffing challenges.
Taban said the donated scholastic materials and footballs would help learners and ease some of the challenges facing the school.
He said the school has more than 1,400 learners and 13 government teachers, adding that some teachers require further training and capacity building.
The headmaster also said the school lacks a perimeter fence, which he said has left its property vulnerable to theft. He appealed to partners to support the construction of the fence.
The materials were handed over during a ceremony attended by local government, security, and education officials.
Yei River County Commissioner Samuel Henry Malimbo commended the UNMISS Chinese Battalion for supporting the school and called for continued cooperation with the county.
He urged UNMISS to consider supporting the construction of the school fence and the provision of a water facility and computers for learners.
“We appreciate the support from UNMISS, and we continue to call for cooperation in other areas that are important to the people of Yei,” Mr Malimbo said.
Col. Dou, representing the UNMISS Chinese Battalion, expressed appreciation for the opportunity to join local authorities and school representatives during the handover.
Philip Taban, Director of Education for Yei River County, thanked the Chinese Battalion for selecting Jigomoni Nursery and Primary School for the support.
He described the school as one of the historic schools in Yei, saying it was established in 1960.
Taban said the lack of a fence remains one of the school’s major challenges and appealed to partners and other stakeholders to support efforts to improve the security of the school and its property.
The handover was witnessed by Police Inspector Major General Lujang Kamba and other officials, including the county commissioner, county security adviser, director of education, and the SPLM secretary for Yei River County.