The Central Equatoria State Ministry of General Education and Instruction has lifted the suspension of one of two schools recently shut down over poor sanitation and the unjustified exclusion of learners from classes.
Speaking to Eye Radio this morning, the Minister of General Education and Instruction, Lupai Satimon Andrew, said Juba Integrated High School Kadoro had been allowed to resume operations after agreeing to comply with government regulations.
Lupai said the school had met the conditions set by the ministry, including ending the collection of school fees in US dollars.
“They came to us and they fulfilled what we wanted. First of all, the demand that we wanted, including scrapping payment in dollars, they have fulfilled that, they have made it in written, and they have come to us and committed themselves that payment will now continue in South Sudan towns,” Lupai said.
The school was suspended last week following concerns over the collection of fees in US dollars instead of South Sudanese pounds and a decision to send a student home for failing to bring a ream of paper.
The minister said schools following South Sudan’s national curriculum are required to collect fees in South Sudanese pounds, while international schools are permitted to charge in foreign currencies.
“They have now fulfilled and they are free to operate. We have given them now, we have lifted the suspension, so they are back to their normal duties,” he said.
Meanwhile, the suspension of Gumbo Christian Nursery and Primary School remains in force over concerns about its facilities and learning environment.
Minister Lupai said the school had been given specific requirements to meet before the ministry could consider allowing it to complete the current academic term.
He said a joint team from the ministry, county authorities and the Rajaf administration was expected to visit the school to assess whether it had met the requirements.
“The suspension of Gumbo Christian Nursery and Primary School remains in force because of the condition of the school. We have held two meetings with the school management, the latest of which was yesterday, and gave them specific requirements to meet.
“We will consider allowing the school to complete the academic year only if it fulfils those requirements. However, we do not think the school will continue operating,” he said.
Gumbo Christian Nursery and Primary School has not yet provided its response to the concerns that led to its suspension.
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