(Yuai) – The education system in Uror County, Jonglei State, is facing a growing crisis, as unpaid teachers, lack of school buildings, and ongoing insecurity continue to deprive thousands of children of safe and regular access to learning.
Local leaders say the situation is deteriorating rapidly. Of the more than 106 schools in the county, nearly half—43—have no permanent classrooms. Instead, pupils study under trees, exposed to harsh weather conditions. During the rainy season, flooding often brings lessons to a halt. In the dry months, the threat of cattle raids and child abductions increases, keeping many children at home.
Uror County has a population of more than 240,000 people, including over 64,000 school-age children. Among them are at least 28,000 girls, who face added risks due to insecurity and cultural barriers. These factors, officials say, are pushing many children—especially girls—out of school.
The lack of qualified, paid teachers is also straining the system. Of the 822 teachers currently active in Uror County, only 270 are on the government payroll. The rest—552—work as volunteers, receiving no salary. This results in extremely high classroom ratios, with more than 200 pupils per teacher in many schools.
Even in the administrative centre of Yuai, where facilities are expected to be better, conditions are dire. At Nyijier Primary School, there are no toilets or access to safe drinking water. Students are forced to return home for water during break time, which lowers afternoon attendance. The school employs 25 teachers, but only 10 are paid; the rest teach without a wage.
Head Teacher Peter Mun Gai said that insecurity earlier this year led to the complete loss of the first and second terms for many children. Overcrowded classes, the absence of school fencing, and lack of uniforms also impact safety and dignity. “Children are not just missing lessons,” he said. “They are losing the chance to build a future.”
County Commissioner James Gatluak Gatkhor has appealed to the central government, development partners, and international NGOs for urgent assistance. He is calling for the construction of classrooms, supply of clean water, school fencing, and regular salaries for all teachers.
Despite the severe challenges, local communities are doing what they can. Many parents and teachers continue to support learning efforts through volunteer teaching, local fundraising, and informal learning spaces. But officials warn that without immediate intervention, many children could permanently drop out of school.
South Sudanese citizens across the country have shown concern about the crisis in Jonglei. Social media users and commentators have criticised the lack of government response, noting that education remains a basic right and a critical part of South Sudan’s post-conflict recovery.
Observers point out that Uror was among the early regions to rejoin the national unity government, raising expectations of greater support. But with public resources stretched thin and insecurity ongoing, local leaders say education appears to be falling off the national agenda.
Current exchange rates show that the average unpaid teacher in Uror is missing out on a monthly salary of around 60,000 South Sudanese Pounds (approximately $50 USD). These unpaid wages not only demoralise staff but also contribute to teacher migration away from remote counties like Uror.
The situation in Jonglei reflects a reality affecting many parts of the country. For the families in Uror, the concern is immediate. If help does not come soon, their children may lose their only path to a better future.