This weekend, UNICEF delivered examination papers to seven counties in South Sudan where exams were postponed. Four days ago, the Ministry of General Education and Instruction (MoGEI) announced that Primary 8 candidates who missed out on their exams last week, would sit their exams starting today Monday, 15 February.
The MoGEI asked UNICEF South Sudan to support with the dispatchment of the new examination papers from Juba to Akobo, Ayod, Fangak (old and new), Nyirol, Nasir, Longechuk and Tonj East. With only four days between the announcement and the exams, UNICEF South Sudan put all hands-on deck. Saturday and Sunday, papers for 1,732 students were flown successfully to the named counties together with exam invigilators.
“This was an important mission for UNICEF as access to education is a right for every child, regardless of location,” said Andrea Suley, UNICEF South Sudan Representative a.i. “I’m pleased with UNICEF’s ability to mobilize quickly with partners and deliver the examination papers on time. What remains, is to wish the children best of luck.”
Together with the examination papers, UNICEF delivered face masks for the students, hand sanitizers and soap for handwashing to maintain hygiene throughout the examination week. UNICEF is taking the lead with the MoGEI on collecting the exam papers at the end of the week and bringing them to Juba for marking.
Last week, UNICEF supported children in the former protection of civilian sites (PoC) in Juba and in Malakal to sit their exams. In collaboration with MoGEI, UNICEF organized transport between the former PoCs to the examination venue and provided the students with masks and ensured handwashing stations were in place.
The final exams mark the completion of primary level education allowing students to move to senior level education. Securing exams for students is an essential part of ensuring access to education for all children. Senior four is sitting their exams starting 22 March, and UNICEF is confident that the Ministry of General Education and Instruction will ensure all exams will be conducted as scheduled.
UNICEF South Sudan would like to take the opportunity to thank the UN family led by the SRSG and WFP in particular for their support. We would like to thank the donor community for their relentless support realizing the right to education for every child.
