Schoolboys at the new classrooms premises. (Photo: UNMISS).

JUBA, August 5, 2026 — A teacher has criticised the Central Equatoria State government’s proposal to recruit volunteer teachers, arguing that improving teachers’ salaries and working conditions is the best way to address the shortage of teachers in public schools.

The remarks follow comments by the State Minister of General Education, Lupai Satimon Andrew, who said the government is considering recruiting volunteer teachers after many salaried teachers left public schools due to economic hardship.

Speaking to Eye Radio, teacher Mama Poni said the government should prioritize improving teachers’ welfare instead of replacing those leaving the profession with volunteers.

She said public schools were once regarded as the best because teachers were paid on time despite earning modest salaries, but noted that the current remuneration is too low to meet basic needs.

“Instead of focusing on teachers leaving schools and replacing them with volunteers, the government should address the issue of teachers’ salaries,” she said.

Mama Poni said establishing a better salary structure and creating a conducive working environment would encourage teachers to remain in public schools and improve the quality of education.

She also noted that many teachers are leaving for private schools or other jobs because of poor pay and difficult working conditions, adding that some part-time teachers receive as little as 5,000 South Sudanese pounds per subject.

According to her, reviewing teachers’ salaries and improving their welfare would help retain experienced educators, strengthen public schools and reduce the government’s reliance on volunteer teachers.