Teachers in Panyijar County Threaten to Quits Teaching Over Unpaid Salary Arrears

Nearly 300 primary and secondary school teachers in Panyijar County have reached a breaking point as they demand payment for salary arrears spanning the months of July, August, and September of 2023. The teachers, who have tirelessly dedicated themselves to educating children despite facing numerous challenges, find themselves in a dire financial situation due to the prolonged delay in receiving their meagre compensation. This delay not only impacts the livelihoods of these educators but also raises concerns about the sustainability of the education system in county as the threat of mass resignations looms large.

The teachers’ decision to speak out and demand payment is a reflection of the systemic issues plaguing the education sector in Panyijar County. Without timely and consistent salary payments, teachers face significant hardships that can ultimately hinder their ability to effectively carry out their duties. As key stakeholders in shaping the future of the next generation, it is imperative that the authorities address this pressing issue promptly to ensure the continuity of quality education for the students in the county.

William Kai Ter, the chairperson of the Panyijiar Teachers Union, has expressed deep concern over the ongoing issue of unpaid salary arrears affecting teachers in Panyijar County. “If they don’t want see us as staff we shall leave the work, we shall leave the work, because you can’t work for nothing,” said Ter. Despite numerous attempts to address the matter through formal channels, including multiple requests to the state ministry of education, a resolution has yet to be reached. The persistent lack of response and action from the authorities has left teachers feeling frustrated and undervalued, leading to a growing sense of discontent within the teaching community.

Mr. Ter emphasized the critical importance of timely salary payments not only as a matter of financial security for teachers but also as a reflection of the government’s commitment to supporting and prioritizing education in the region. The threat of teachers resigning en masse underscores the severity of the situation and highlights the urgent need for swift and decisive intervention to rectify the salary arrears issue before it escalates further and negatively impacts the quality of education in Panyijar County.

Teachers in Panyijar County, as well as across South Sudan, are grappling with challenging working conditions that significantly impact their ability to effectively carry out their duties. When compared to their counterparts in the East African Community, South Sudanese teachers face a myriad of issues such as low pay, frequent delays in salary payments, lack of working allowances, and a pervasive sense of insecurity. These challenges not only undermine the morale and motivation of teachers but also hinder the overall quality of education being delivered to students in the region. In a profession that plays a crucial role in shaping the future of the nation, the lack of adequate support and resources for teachers in South Sudan is a matter of grave concern that warrants urgent attention and resolution.

Despite the government of South Sudan’s assertion that education is free, the reality on the ground tells a different story. Schools in South Sudan are facing a dire lack of adequate support from the government, leading many to rely heavily on assistance from organizations such as UNICEF and various NGOs. The failure of the government to provide essential resources and timely salary payments has placed an immense burden on teachers who are already struggling to make ends meet. This situation not only hampers the quality of education being delivered but also jeopardizes the livelihoods of dedicated educators who are at the forefront of shaping the future of the nation.

The heavy reliance on external aid highlights a systemic issue within the education sector in South Sudan, where the government’s promises of free education are not matched by tangible support for schools and educators. Without sustainable financial backing and proper infrastructure, quality education for all will remain delusional in South Sudan. The looming threat of teachers resigning due to unpaid salary arrears underscores the urgent need for the government to prioritize education funding and provide the necessary resources to ensure a stable and thriving learning environment for all.