By Matik Kueth
The Vice President for the Economic Cluster, Dr. James Wani Igga, has called on parents in Terekeka County, Central Equatoria State (CES), to embrace education and stressed the need for the development of schools in the area.
Igga, who spoke on Sunday at the third day of the Mundari Cultural Festival, emphasized the need for community-led initiatives that can play a critical role in advancing education, urging both local authorities and parents to take an active role in ensuring children have access to quality learning.
Dr. Igga cited Kajo-Keji County as a practical example of how communities can transform education through collective effort.
He noted that residents of Kajo-Keji built more than 35 schools using their own resources without waiting for government support.
“My message to you is that what’s needed in Terekeka for the community to move forward is education. Clement Wani once made a good initiative by bringing Ugandans here to teach in schools. So, the current commissioner can do that. If you go to Kajo-Keji, they built 35 schools on their own and didn’t wait for the government to construct schools for them,” Dr. Igga said.
He said such community-driven initiatives can significantly improve learning opportunities and reduce illiteracy in the county.
“Even you, the communities in this area, can contribute whatever you have and work on constructing schools. Those in Kajo-Keji sold their cassava, goats and chickens, just to support the school construction initiative. You too in Terekeka can do the same,” he stated.
The Vice President further appealed to Terekeka residents to contribute whatever resources they can toward school construction, stressing that even small contributions can make a difference.
“You have to encourage people to contribute whatever little. Believe me, everyone has a little income. That little income can be produced to pay teachers in every school according to payams. But the number one thing we need in Terekeka is education, and the rest will follow,” he stated.
Dr. Igga’s statement comes amid persistent challenges in access to education across Central Equatoria State, despite President Salva Kiir’s call for free education nationwide.
Many children across the country still lack access to proper learning facilities, with some continuing to study under trees due to limited school infrastructure.