The Minister of Education in Jonglei says more than 1,000 candidates have started taking their primary leaving examinations under the supervision of volunteer teachers and the police.

Suzan Lith Aluong says the exam is also being taken by candidates from Fangak and Eastern Bieh, which became separate states in October 2015.

Ms Lith told Eye Radio that the exams are being supervised by volunteers and the police because public school teachers have been on a pay strike.

Some were arrested over the accusation that they hijacked a meeting, a charge they have denied.

“Those who went on strike are not the only teachers in Jonglei State because. Now the exams are going on well and there is no anything affecting the examinations,” Ms Lith said.

“We have Akobo County and we have Fangak state and they are under Jonglei state. They are also sitting under the provision of UN and the schools are ready in these two counties.”

According to the Minister of Information, Akech Dengdit, the tests are being taken in 19 centers in the three states.
Those in Fangak have a center in Ayod, while Eastern Bieh has a center in Akobo.

“These 19 centers include POC (Protection of civilians Sites) here in Bor, and also Akobo and Fangak having the exams too and they are included in our timetable,” he said.

The subjects are English, Mathematics, Religious Education, Science and Social Studies.