She said students depend on the textbooks to understand lessons beyond the notes provided by teachers, but the cost of the books makes them unaffordable for many families.

“These books of South Sudan for curriculum, is written there, not for sale, but then we see it being sold for money and hence that does limit the theory that the teacher should give 25%,” Kenedy said.

He explained that teachers provide notes in class, but students still need textbooks to gain a deeper understanding of the subjects they are taught.

“Because what you know is that the teacher gives the notes, the child copies the notes, but then he has to go through the textbook why? Because he or she will know of context of what is taught after that,” he said.

Kenedy said students who cannot afford the books are placed at a disadvantage compared to those who can purchase them.

He called on the government to ensure curriculum books are distributed to students free of charge, in line with the “Not for Sale” label printed on them.

“The child can go ahead if he or she wants to buy the book but its expensive yet it’s written behind the book, Not For Sale, so the books should be free,” Kenedy said.

Another Child Parliamentarian, Yar Alier, also raised concerns about the shortage and cost of textbooks, as well as limited access to practical learning materials and laboratories, particularly for science students.

She said students struggle to achieve better academic results when they are unable to access the books needed to study beyond classroom notes.

“The 25% is enough, but let’s look into the education system. There are no books. Like, if the teacher is giving 25%, where will I get the other 75%? Where will I get it?” Alier said.

She also called for more practical learning opportunities and educational materials in schools.“You’ll be given the theory in class, but you don’t have the materials to do the practicals,” she said.

The child parliamentarians made the calls during Eye Radio’s Child Rights Forum, organized by the Children’s Parliament of South Sudan with support from Save the Children.

They are urging the government to ensure curriculum books are distributed free of charge and to improve access to laboratories and other practical learning materials in schools.