Seeds of Change: Reimagining Childcare and Curriculum Development in South Sudan
Ayuen Dot
By Philip Ayuen Dot, Juba, South Sudan
Tuesday, 03 December 2024 (PW) — In South Sudan, the absence of adequate childcare facilities and center-based educational structures has led to dire consequences, especially impacting the education of young children and hindering women’s participation in the labor market. This issue has far-reaching implications that disadvantage both individuals and the nation as a whole. The stark revelation from the UNICEF report, highlighting the staggering number of over 2.8 million children aged between 3 and 17 deprived of access to formal education, serves as an alarming testament to the pressing necessity for immediate and comprehensive early educational interventions.
This glaring absence of early childhood educational opportunities significantly undermines literacy rates, triggering a chain reaction that encompasses delayed enrollment, escalated dropout rates, and the perpetuation of a distressing cycle of educational disadvantage among the youth. Such a paucity in foundational learning experiences not only impedes the timely entry of children into formal education but also detrimentally impacts their retention and progression within the educational system, entrenching them in a perpetual struggle to catch up, thereby widening the gap in educational outcomes and hindering their prospects for a brighter future.
The active involvement of women in the labor market is a cornerstone for the advancement of gender parity and the cultivation of an all-encompassing economic landscape. Despite this, the acute scarcity of accessible childcare alternatives frequently compels mothers to remain within their homes, constraining their capacity to participate in income-generating endeavors. Consequently, this limitation perpetuates enduring cycles of poverty, serving as a formidable obstacle impeding the nation’s strides towards the attainment of Sustainable Development Goals 5 and 8, specifically targeting gender equality and sustainable economic growth.
The inadequate preparedness of children for formal schooling, stemming from the absence of early childhood educational experiences, manifests in the form of delayed enrollment among older children. This delay in their entry into the educational system holds grave repercussions, significantly exacerbating the rates of dropout and detrimentally impacting the overall educational achievement within this specific demographic. As these children enter the schooling system later than their peers, they face a daunting challenge in catching up with the curriculum and adapting to the academic environment. Consequently, this struggle to acclimate and keep pace often leads to heightened rates of disengagement, resulting in increased dropout rates among these older entrants. This trend not only diminishes their chances of completing their education but also impedes their overall educational attainment, creating a concerning cycle of limited academic success and reduced opportunities for advancement within the educational sphere, further exacerbating disparities in educational outcomes among children.
The startling reality emerges as statistics reveal that only a mere 6% of children under the age of 5 in South Sudan possess access to structured childcare facilities, with most being in urban areas. This glaring discrepancy in the availability of childcare services between rural and urban settings signifies a significant obstacle for women striving to engage in employment opportunities or seek avenues for income generation. The pronounced absence of accessible childcare options in rural regions severely curtails women’s ability to participate actively in the workforce. Without reliable childcare solutions, mothers are often compelled to forego economic pursuits, restricting their professional aspirations and hampering their potential for financial independence. Consequently, this pronounced rural-urban divide in childcare accessibility perpetuates a cycle of economic disempowerment among women, limiting their capacity to contribute meaningfully to the workforce and impeding their avenues for socio-economic advancement in South Sudan’s society.
The prevailing challenge of accessing childcare centers persists due to the exorbitant costs associated with these facilities, creating a significant hurdle for families, especially those belonging to low-income households. While childcare centers exist, their availability often comes hand-in-hand with prohibitively high fees, making them financially unviable for a considerable segment of the population. This financial strain imposes a substantial barrier that obstructs numerous families from availing themselves of quality childcare services for their children. For low-income households particularly, the cost of childcare poses an insurmountable obstacle, forcing parents into the difficult position of choosing between employment opportunities and their children’s care. Consequently, the inability to afford these services perpetuates an unjust cycle of restricted access to early childhood education and care, further deepening socio-economic disparities and impeding children’s developmental opportunities, particularly among marginalized communities and families facing financial constraints in South Sudan.
The intersection of inadequate childcare facilities with multifaceted socio-cultural factors significantly impacts women’s roles and outcomes within the labor market in South Sudan. In a society where traditional gender roles often dictate caregiving responsibilities to women; the absence of accessible childcare intensifies the challenges faced by women seeking employment or attempting to pursue career opportunities. This absence not only reinforces conventional gender roles but also reinforces societal expectations that women should prioritize caregiving over professional pursuits. Consequently, the unmet need for reliable childcare becomes a pivotal determinant shaping women’s decisions regarding workforce participation, creating formidable barriers that hinder their ability to access and sustain employment, consequently perpetuating gender disparities in South Sudan’s labor market.
The pressing and acute scarcity of accessible childcare services in South Sudan signifies a pivotal moment necessitating immediate intervention. Tackling this critical issue presents an opportunity to catalyze significant positive changes, particularly in fostering greater participation of women in the labor force. By addressing the childcare accessibility gap, the potential arises to empower women economically, allowing them to actively engage in income-generating activities and broaden their professional horizons. As a result, this intervention not only facilitates women’s entry into the labor market but also serves as a catalyst for the nation’s economic growth and social development. Enhanced female workforce participation contributes to diversifying the economy, boosting productivity, and fostering inclusive growth. Moreover, empowering women economically is inherently linked to broader societal benefits, including improved healthcare, education, and overall socio-economic stability. Therefore, intervening to improve childcare accessibility stands as a crucial step towards unlocking the untapped potential of women, leading to a more prosperous and equitable future for South Sudan.
The initiation of establishing more affordable childcare centers staffed with well-trained caregivers offers a dual benefit by not only catering to the developmental needs of children in a nurturing environment but also generating substantial employment opportunities. This approach represents a multifaceted solution that addresses the critical need for accessible childcare services while simultaneously bolstering the economy through job creation. By expanding the network of affordable childcare centers, a range of employment opportunities, spanning from caregivers to administrative staff, is generated, thus stimulating the job market and fostering economic growth. Moreover, these centers serve as essential hubs for skill development and employment in early childhood education and care sectors. As a result, investing in accessible childcare not only nurtures the cognitive and social development of children but also cultivates a skilled workforce, thereby laying the groundwork for a more secure and prosperous future for South Sudan. This strategic intervention not only addresses the immediate need for childcare but also sets the stage for long-term socio-economic advancements by investing in human capital and fostering a conducive environment for inclusive growth and development.
Therefore, South Sudan should take the issue of childcare and Center -Based curriculum development very seriously. Education is one of the pillars used to develop a country and its accessibility will propel the country’s economy forward, lifting the living standards of both the parents and children. It is the battle of this century; literacy and letting the women work as well when relieved of caregiving their school aged kids.
The author, Philip Ayuen Dot, is an independent South Sudanese environmental researcher who writes on environmental issues, social and economic topics and can be reached via his email: Philipdot57@gmail.com.
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