77% school dropout rates in South Darfur

Lack of infrastructure facilities, main cause of dismal figures  The state of South Darfur recorded a school dropout rate of 77 per cent this year, according to a report issued by the Ministry of Education on Friday.  The report indicated that over 200,000 children (241,308, to be precise) between the age of four (4) and five (5) don’t receive pre-school education. Also, over 600,000 students (617,854) between the age of six (6) and 13 don’t attend school. The document also indicated a considerable lack of textbooks and classes in many areas of the state, where lessons are still taught under the shade of trees. There’s also a lack of teachers, teaching material and seating. At the primary level alone, the state is facing a deficit of nearly 4000 teachers.  On the other hand, Salva Kiir, president of South Sudan, said on Wednesday that one of the top priorities of the newly formed nation would be education.  President Kiir announced in first sitting of the joint legislature that he would stress on the need for women’s education.