Diocese of Tombura-Yambio to Initiate Three-Year Education Revolution: 'We Go to School' Campaign Targets 1.5 Million Children
Diocese of Tombura-Yambio to Initiate Three-Year Education Revolution: 'We Go to School' Campaign Targets 1.5 Million Children
By Sr. Henriette Anne, FSSA
In the heart of Western Equatoria State, a transformative movement is set to be launched – the "We Go to School" Three Years Campaign, led by Bishop Eduardo Hiiboro Kussala of the Catholic Diocese of Tombura-Yambio (CDTY). This ambitious initiative, spanning from 2024 to 2026 is set to be launched on Diocesan Literacy Day, which will coincide with Ash Wednesday.
In a letter shared with the Rurugene Online Newsletter, the bishop expressed that the campaign aims to tackle the pressing issues of low enrollment and high dropout rates that have plagued the region's educational landscape.
The campaign targets 1,500,000 children in Western Equatoria State, he added, “I urge all parents, to take advantage of this opportunity that the Church or CDTY and its partners especially the Government have created so that the current generation can have a better future than the one we have gone through”.
He continued that Western Equatoria State grapples with a stark reality – six out of 10 children are not attending school, placing it among the areas with the lowest enrollment rates globally. Bishop Hiiboro Kussala, recognizing the pivotal role education plays in fostering meaningful change and true peace, initiated the "We Go to School" campaign. His vision is clear: to prepare tomorrow's leaders, engineers, teachers, priests, religious, and politicians through the power of education
“Children who go to school are a minority in Western Equatoria State, where six out of 10 children are not in school – one of the worst enrolment rates in the world. Dropout rates are high, and few pupils move on to secondary education and extremely low join tertiary or Universities. As a diocese, we are preparing tomorrow’s leaders, engineers, teachers priests, religious, and politicians”, he explained.
The campaign kicks off in Ezo County, Mid-West Deanery, at the heart of NAANDI Payam. Bishop Kussala, with a genuine commitment to change, embarks on a seven-day tour of villages in Ezo County. He aims to engage with the community, inspiring and instilling the value of education in the hearts of both young and old. The official launch is slated for Naandi, Ezo County, marking the beginning of a transformative journey.
“Dr. Kussala has chosen to kick-start this three We Go to School Campaign in Ezo County, Mid-West Deanery, right in the Center of NAANDI Payam. This will follow Bishop’s seven-day stay in the County of Ezo touring all the villages and encouraging the entire population about education. The initiative is then officially to be launched in Naandi, Ezo County”.
In the letter signed by Fr. Dominic Sasa, the Diocesan Chancellor states that the significance of the campaign extends beyond addressing enrollment rates; it is about creating a positive and engaging educational environment. The back-to-school campaign is to generate enthusiasm among students, build a sense of community and belonging, and foster open lines of communication between students, parents, and teachers.
The campaign's foundation lies in the slogan: "Let’s work together. Be together. I am the symbol of change." This rallying cry echoes the collaborative spirit needed to address the educational challenges that have persisted for far too long. The Catholic Diocese of Tombura-Yambio, in partnership with UNICEF, WFP, UNESCO, WVI, CODEP, CHO, RDAA, STO, FOA, UNDP, AZANDE KINGDOM, and other traditional leaders, seeks to create a comprehensive and sustainable solution.
