The detention of striking teachers in Jonglei state is a crime against our children
The detention of striking teachers and their subsequent short-term imprisonment in Jonglei State is an alibi of denying children their educational right
By Zhiew Chol, Bor, Jonglei State
December 10, 2016 (SSB) — To begin as quoted by John F. Kennedy; the knowledge that the physical well-being of the citizen is an important foundation for the vigour and vitality of all the activities of the nation
The quality of our children is determined by three people in a lawful environment i.e. Father, mother and a good school teacher and not by the government at all. But I wonder in this state where the responsibilities are imposed by ranks, privileges and good fortune can become very onerous indeed. There are people who are acting in amala-fide manner instead of thinking about societal future.
The appointment of Jonglei state governor was celebrated hoping that there would be a change. Even if there is no change in development as per now, at least there should be a change of attitude and approach to the welfare of state’s citizens.
To be direct, the striking teachers, who are laying down their tools of teaching, claiming their financial and non-financial incentives cannot be considered criminals in a liberal world where education is a must for each and every child. It’s the only weapon which is indestructible to change the uncivilized society. The state of affair is suppression rather solving the entire problem, the government should at least sit down and sort out the issues facing the education sector in Jonglei state.
Now my question is who is going to teach these children? The teachers are not fugitive criminals, they are demanding the compensation as you always demands your salary as well. It’s always ignorance which never settles a question, the governor or the state minister of education would have sat down to discuss the grievances of the teachers instead of ordering your untrained tribal clan-based police officers who are so ignorant of the laws, taking over the situation.
We should focus on educating our children to change this mind-set implanted by the traditionalists – turned politicians whose children are studying abroad, perhaps the burden now falls on the children of innocent common people. You caused the war, displaced the common people and again arresting the teachers of their children; what harm have you not inflicted on the common man in this Country?
I have never heard of a place where knowledge has been bombed or imprisoned, it is only in South Sudan where things are resolved by intimation and arbitrary arrest without justice. Even those police officers who took the teachers to the jail cells, their only children are victims in this, but because of their ignorance of relying on certain people misled them.
The state government of Jonglei is vituperably blaming the teachers instead of themselves. Why can’t your courts try these people if they are offenders? The truth is that there is no single judge who has been to law school would be handling this case. The governor should fact-check the arrest otherwise it’s going to be laughable via crucis.
Every human being is entitled to compensation for the services rendered whether in the forms of salary, gratuity and other benefits, as a matter fact to arrest and detain someone, portrayed government’s inimitability. Perhaps I criticized the appointment of state minister of education early because the ministry could have been allotted to young people especially the educated youths who are familiar with the contemporary education system and its requirements, but the division-based or sectarian allotments has caused the crisis we are in.
I think there is money given by the central government for state education but because of enrichment and building one’s self and their families resulted into the embezzlement, hence unjustiable detention of teachers. Why is it easier to detain than to negotiate? Cruelty cannot resolve the issue, the good thing which is lacking is leadership perhaps it’s better to lead from behind and to put others in front, especially when you celebrate victory when nice things occur.
You take the front line when there is danger. Then people will appreciate your leadership, perhaps they should be released. There is an Inexactitude on Educational expansion within the current global context requires not just knowledge workers that can innovate and set up micro businesses, it needs critical thinkers that can work collaboratively to solve complex problems with people that may not have the same gender, culture, ethnicity and belief system.
The challenges of modern society and the fight against ignorance and manipulation require people who can read the word as well as the world. We need individuals and communities that can model, teach and inspire students to learn how to learn and learn how to apply that learning in ways that benefit themselves, their families and society.
A person with a script is an actor not a teacher. We need well-trained, dedicated, reflective and thoughtful teachers in our profession. Education is what everybody who exists in this present time needs to acquire to meet up with the demand of the society. Many developed countries pay good interest on education because they understand that it can go a long way in solving national problems.
Finally every child’s right to education will not be realized if we are unable to address the issues of equity and quality.
You can reach the author via his email: dhieu chol<dhieuchol5@gmail.com>
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