Renk encourages promotion of science education

By Ngor Arol Garang

August 15, 2010 (RENK) – Local authorities from Renk county in the southern state of Upper Nile have launched an educational campaign to promote teaching science subjects in both basic and secondary schools.

Teaching science forms a solid foundation for acceptance and better performance at higher learning institutions, according to the campaign.

Deng Jok, one-time principal of Renk primary school turned politician, told journalists at a breakfast briefing at peace and development center in Renk town that putting enough emphasis on science subjects such as mathematics is important in producing students with problem solving and analytical skills that ultimately create a productive workforce and thereby contribute to economic and health growth of the population.

“[The] Majority of our children these days at higher learning institutions takes social sciences not because they are not capable of taking sciences but because they have not been prepared from the start”, he said.

He challenged teachers of mathematics, science and technology to make the three subjects more appealing and enjoyable.

“This would assist in the eradication of the myth that the three subjects are difficult and for the tough tested. These collaborations will make the publicity about importance of science subjects wider and sustainable,” he said.

Jok said the influence of the teachers should fully be exploited by education authorities. Prepared children on technical subjects rise to the Challenge of Unemployment through Creativity and Innovation in Science, Mathematics and Technology, he added.

He stressed that teachers, government officials and community should make children aware from primary school age the range of careers available to them if they take sciences seriously: agriculture science, engineering, human medicine, pharmacy, science teaching and veterinary medicine.

“This calls for enhanced linkages at all levels of the education sector. Education in Sudan at large and particularly in Southern Sudan has a number of challenges, the major being publicity and lack of exposure of prize winning projects,” he said.

Colonel Deng Akueny, commissioner of Renk County, who was also at the briefing, said that for Sudan to fulfill its vision of becoming developed country, there was no doubt that science and mathematics education must be improved.

“In this respect, government through its relevant institutions like education ministry is willing to continue its support to our people, by utilizing our experienced professionals like Ustaz Jok”, said Akueny.

Commissioner Akueny also suggested starting annual performance awards for science subjects to encourage students.

“The reason for these awards would be to support the identification and motivation of creative and innovative talent in science, mathematics and technology in the country,” he said.

Young talented students, Akueny said, who study science will be at the forefront of leading Sudan to becoming a developed country.

(ST)