By Ijoo Bosco
The Eastern Equatoria State Caretaker Education Minister, Ibwaha Lucy, has called on parents, teachers, church leaders and education authorities to work together to improve the quality of education, promote discipline and strengthen moral values among learners in Torit and across the state.
The minister made the remarks while addressing the faithful at Saint Peter and Paul Cathedral in Torit town.
During her address, the minister reinforced the call to end the practice of students renting private houses and hotel rooms, emphasising the need for parents and relevant stakeholders to pay close attention to learners’ accommodation and welfare.
On school fees, she urged teachers and school administrators not to send pupils and students away from school because of unpaid fees.
Instead, she encouraged schools to allow learners to attend classes and sit their examinations while explaining that certificates could be withheld later in accordance with applicable education policies.
The Minister also strongly condemned examination cheating, locally known as Mochot, calling for its strict abolition to safeguard academic standards and restore confidence in the education system.
She stressed that quality education must produce competent, honest and hard-working students capable of representing the state in scholarship opportunities and other academic programmes.
According to the minister, students who perform well through their own efforts, without cheating, should be considered for scholarship opportunities. She encouraged learners to embrace honesty, dedication and hard work as the foundation of academic success.
The minister appealed to church leaders to encourage pupils’ and students’ choirs to lead Sunday Mass, saying that greater participation in church activities could help nurture young people’s talents and strengthen their spiritual development.
Ibwaha further called on church-run schools to ensure that learners attend morning prayers at the church before proceeding to classes, emphasising the importance of combining academic learning with spiritual and moral formation.
Addressing concerns about indiscipline in schools, the minister called for stronger cooperation among parents, teachers and the Ministry of Education to tackle cases involving students who carry pangas or knives to school and use them to threaten teachers.
She urged teachers to report such incidents to the Ministry and the parents concerned so that appropriate action can be taken to protect school communities and maintain a safe learning environment.
The minister emphasised that discipline is a shared responsibility and that parents, teachers, churches and education authorities must work hand in hand to guide learners towards responsible behaviour.
She called on all stakeholders to promote a culture of respect, accountability, academic honesty and peaceful coexistence in schools.
The Minister’s message underscored the need for a collective commitment to building an education system that not only equips students with knowledge and skills but also nurtures integrity, faith, discipline and responsible citizenship.
Through these joint efforts, schools in Torit and across Eastern Equatoria State can work towards producing disciplined, academically capable and morally grounded young people prepared to contribute positively to the future of the state.