More efforts is needed in boosting National Education policy
By Morris Mabior Awikjokdit
South Sudan as an internationally recognized state is a liberal democratic society and it should work hard to adopt her national education policy. Dr. Riek Gai Yosh, Minister of Education science and technology is at the right track as wrote by one of the prominent columnist in Juba Telegraph daily English newspaper but I am of the view that more efforts is required for the Minister to pay honorable tour to states so that he can witness himself how education is operating at the grass- root levels. Dr. John Gai is a man who will shape education of South Sudan to the required degree due his bi- literal relations with the foreign countries. With his appointment, there are some gradual changes taking place day and night and more doors have been opened up for scholarship outside the country. That is a very good move Mr. Minister. Hence, it is the values of liberal democracy that must guide the formulation of educational policies and their implementation. The core values of philosophical rational and moral autonomy. Equality, fairness and liberty underpin the concept of a liberal democracy. In this system, the people of the Republic of South Sudan are expected to participate fully and rationally in the affairs of their country.
A basic principle is that their consent is the only legitimate justification for their being governed. In a liberal society, therefore, the state is obliged to protect and promote fundamental human and civil rights, to propound educational policies and aims which focus on nurturing the holistic development of individuals, and to promote the social and economic welfare of society through the provision and renewal of skills, knowledge and competencies necessary for the development of society and the economy of South Sudan.
The philosophical for educational provision is to be informed by these principles which can form the basis for a shared commitment among all partners towards educational development in the country. Clear articulation of the principles for the development of education contribute to establishing the direction such education ought to take. Further, it provides justification and support for resources allocations to educational development in states, counties up to the payam levels. Within this framework, the philosophical rationale for future development of education of South Sudan should be based on three broad- base considerations:-
- The role of government in education of South Sudan.
- Principles for the development of education policy and practice; and
- The aims of the national education system of South Sudan
The role of the government of South Sudan in education
Education is defined in the Transitional constitution of South Sudan 2011 as a right for each individual to learn whether you are young or big. Both ages have equal rights to go to school and learn. It is a mean for enhancing the well- being and quality of life for the entire nation and society. The government’s role in education arises from its overall concern to protect the rights of individuals, promote social well- being and achieve a good quality of life for every person through all embracing economic development. The government must therefore seek to create, promote and support the conditions within which education can realize its potential in society.
The government respects the legitimate interests of various partners in education and supports the distinctive characters of individual schools, colleges and universities. They, in turn, have a corresponding obligation to respect and support the principles and rights upon which a democratic society is based. Because of the centrality of knowledge, skills and technology in shaping the organization and productivity of the economy, education is a productive investment. Since knowledge, skills and technology develop and change so quickly, this investment must be continually renewed.
Individuals must learn continuously throughout their lives acquiring new skills and technologies. The establishment of a liberal economy, in which internal and external competition are central values accentuate dependence on the knowledge and skills of the people and their ongoing access to education. Investment in education, therefore, is of crucial concern in the strongly competitive climate of the modern world. Hence, the government of South Sudan should strongly reaffirms the important role education plays in human resources development as the basis of all other development, it will act therefore, as the watchdog for enhancing the contribution of education and training to economic development and improved social cohesion. There are three major principles that inform the government’s important role in education:-
- The government is the custodian of the human rights of all individuals, including their right to education. It’s concern, therefore, will be with how well national education policy and practice promote equality, equity, efficiency, partnership, pluralism, transparency and accountability;
- The demands of national development require that the government pay attention to the role education plays in human capital formation, particularly in developing the types of knowledge, skills, values and competencies that are necessary for economic development and social welfare;
- Democratization of education, with its demands for partnership in educational provision, requires that the government of South Sudan should create an enabling environment and establishes rules and regulations, that will protect the right of various educational agencies to full and fair participation in educational development.
Conclusion, I would like to apologize to the Editor in Chief and managing Editor of Juba Telegraph daily English newspaper for the promised I gave that I will make a fantastic contribution throughout the week but I have been kept off by Greater Tonj community conference arrangements. The paper should design for me column page for my daily contribution on national education policy of South Sudan.
The author is a freelance opinion writer and a professional experience teacher based in Warrap state- Kuajok. He can be reached by email: morrisawikjok@tahoo.com or contact: 0954243501
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