The National Teachers Union of South Sudan (NTUSS) has embarked on a transformative journey with the launch of the Education International (EI) “Go Public! Fund Education” campaign. This initiative has significantly contributed to the union’s growth and development.
A campaign for change
Over a six-month period from May to September 2024, NTUSS organized a series of seven events across the capital city Juba and four other states. These activities focused on capacity building and campaigning for union members, reinforcing their skills in policy analysis, communication, and collective bargaining.
The campaign is built in a context characterized by multiple crises affecting education – floodings and armed conflict, as well as low salaries which aren't regularly paid to teachers. Teachers at the state level have not been paid their salaries for eleven months, and teachers employed by the national government have not been paid in 10 months.
The campaign, supported by EI Solidarity Fund, is pushing to mobilize membership, raise the status of teachers, advocate for gender equality, and create strong networks from county to national levels. Another significant goal was to raise awareness about the 59 Recommendations of the UN High-Level Panel on the Teaching Profession among union members and stakeholders.
NTUSS president Garang Deng Kuol Athian noted that the campaign has had an impressive impact on union visibility and membership growth:
“These activities gave a good image of our union because we invited the national TV and radio broadcast, plus two private radios during activities. The union was seen live on TV screen and heard live on radio, which made the public talk about the union and our proposals”.
He added: “Through this, we registered 100 teachers in the union. Union registration forms were also distributed to 500 teachers in the state of Upper Nile, and a state teacher union was established for the first time there.” The implementation of the campaign was also an opportunity for NTUSS to set up and strengthen its structures in some of the states.
Delayed teacher salaries, inadequate pay are key issues
NTUSS is advocating for the effective implementation of the free education policy, as recognized in South Sudan's Constitution and a February 2023 presidential order. The union emphasizes the need for adequate resources, including well-trained and motivated teachers, to achieve publicly funded, free quality education. Key issues such as delayed teacher salaries, inadequate pay, and the need for better working conditions were highlighted during the campaign activities.
Government and public support
Public authorities, including the State Minister of Education, the Parliament, and the council of ministers, have shown serious consideration for the demands of the campaign as presented by the union. During a workshop on June 4th, 2024, the Minister of Education of Central Equatoria promised to present a report to the Governor and requested the union to draft a budget for a State-teacher union convention. Invited elected representatives pledged to share the workshop report with their colleagues in the national parliament and to push for improvements in teacher conditions.
The Government of the Central Equatoria State promised to organize teacher union’s elections in this state, leaving the union hopeful that a convention can be adopted and implemented at the end of October 2024, NTUSS president Garang Deng Kuol Athian said.
A vision for sustainability
NTUSS aims to achieve financial autonomy through membership dues, ensuring the sustainability of its advocacy for education financing and teachers' issues. The union continues to defend the right of every learner in South Sudan to be taught by a qualified and motivated teacher, holding government and international organizations accountable for adequate education funding.
Campaigning as a recruitment and expansion tool
Kuol Athian also emphasized the importance of the campaign, stating: “All officials and invited dignitaries are taking this campaign into account, and this transpires in their presentations.” He also highlighted the positive reception from teachers, noting that “all teachers who attended the capacity building and campaigning program were happy to be part of the workshop. The evidence of this happiness is seen in their involvement, the way they asked questions and put suggestions forward, and how they contributed positively with commitment.”
Since its inception, NTUSS has been a staunch advocate for education in South Sudan. The union's grassroots visits, supported by the Canadian Teachers’ Federation, and its partnership with the Uganda National Teachers’ Union have strengthened its strategies and independence.
Being a part of the “Go Public! Fund Education” campaign will further bolster NTUSS's efforts to raise awareness about education funding and teacher shortages, pushing for the implementation of the free education policy at the national level.