Students Urged to Prioritize Education and Embrace Cultural Diversity
By Denilson Denike
In a recent advocacy campaign organized by the Whitaker Peace and Development Initiative (WPDI) at the Juba Community Learning Center, community leaders emphasized the importance of students rejecting early marriage, prioritizing education, and embracing cultural diversity.
Karbino Awow, Director of Youth and Sports at the Fourth Vice President for Gender and Youth Cluster, highlighted the significance of education, stating, “Education is the power. Students should prioritize their books first and stay away from early marriage.” He also called on young people to eschew tribalism and promote peace among themselves.
James Wani, Director of Peace Building at the State Ministry of Peace Building in Central Equatoria State, emphasized the value of cultural diversity, noting, “The beauty of culture is unique and contributes to our diversity. It can either trigger conflicts or unite us if we make good use of it.” He urged students to embrace their cultural heritage and learn the stories of their communities and mother tongues.
Hillary Lomoro, the Principal of the Central Equatoria State Teachers Training Center, advocated for modern teaching methods that incorporate elements of culture. She mentioned that watching movies and analyzing cultural aspects can enhance learning and prepare students to be independent and competent in the future.
Thomas Bechu, speaking on behalf of the UNESCO Country Representative, expressed concern about the endangerment of local languages. He stressed the importance of preserving and transmitting languages to prevent them from disappearing. Bechu encouraged students to learn their neighbors’ languages while maintaining fluency in their own.
Dagu David, Country Program Manager for WPDI South Sudan, explained that the advocacy campaign aimed to promote holistic education beyond classroom learning. He emphasized the role of extracurricular activities in building students’ character and urged them to practice the values they learn.
The event brought together students from different ethnic groups to foster understanding and unity through cultural diversity, signaling a collective effort to empower youth and promote peaceful coexistence in the community.
