South Sudan ‘to shut schools that flout Covid rules’

South Sudan’s education ministry has threatened to close schools that violate Covid-19 safety measures.

It said a fact-finding mission revealed that only four schools in the Juba municipality had demonstrated good hygiene practice.

“The report we have here is just terrible. In some schools children come to the class without wearing face masks. So what is our interest, just taking money from the school fees? Is that our priority?” asked Deputy Minister of General Education and Instruction Martin Tako Moi.

“It appears we have taken money to be the first thing in our life then the lives of our children doesn’t matter much as long as we have the money,” he added.

Schools were reopened last October after being closed for more than six months in an effort to curb the spread of Covid-19.

Classes were reopened only for primary pupils and secondary school students who are due to sit final examinations in March this year.

All schools are expected to reopen in April.