Mary John Primary School in Leer Town is grappling with a severe shortage of classrooms, a situation that is causing significant disruptions to the educational experience of its students.
Head Teacher Peter Nhial Riek has expressed deep concern over the fact that many lower-grade students are forced to study under trees, leaving them vulnerable to the elements, including rain and extreme heat.
The school currently accommodates nearly 1,500 students, yet only five modern classrooms are available. These classrooms were constructed in 2023 through funding from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). Despite this, the facilities are woefully inadequate for the large student population, which has swelled due to the influx of families displaced from nearby villages.
“The classrooms are insufficient for the number of students we have,” Mr. Peter explained. “This year alone, we registered 1,424 pupils—824 girls and 600 boys. We have 199 students sitting for the Primary School Certificate this year, and we’ve had to divide the eighth-grade class into two sections. The remaining three classrooms are being used to accommodate students from primary grades five to seven, while the rest of the children are left to study under trees.”
The overcrowding has created a challenging learning environment, with students who are forced to study outside facing constant disruptions due to weather conditions. This has a particularly severe impact on younger students, whose educational development is crucial during these formative years.
Mary John Primary School, originally established by the church and now supported by the government, employs 35 teachers.
However, only nine of these teachers are on the government payroll, and they have not received their salaries for over eight months. This has placed a significant strain on the school’s ability to maintain a motivated and effective teaching staff.
“Mary John is a church-owned school that has been supported by the government since South Sudan gained independence,” Mr. Peter noted. “It was established long ago to promote education in the region, but we are now in desperate need of more classrooms and a perimeter fence to ensure a controlled and safe learning environment for the children.”
The lack of sufficient classrooms is not only affecting the students’ education but also their overall well-being. Nyajime Chap Kai, a Primary Seven student, acknowledged the dedication of the teachers despite the challenges.
“Our teachers are committed to their work, but classes are always interrupted when it rains because those studying outside have to seek shelter inside the classrooms. This disrupts our learning,” she said. Nyajime urged well-wishers and the government to address these pressing issues.
Another student, Nyamai Kuol Kai, echoed these concerns, expressing worry for her peers who are forced to study outdoors. “These children are our brothers and sisters, and it pains us to see them suffering like this,” she said.
The situation at Mary John Primary School highlights the urgent need for increased investment in educational infrastructure in Leer Town. Without additional classrooms and proper facilities, the future of these students remains uncertain.
The head teacher, students, and the community are calling on the government and international organizations to step in and help create a learning environment where every child can thrive.
