Role of the Community in Influencing Enrolment of Children in Schools in Juba County, South Sudan

Abstract

The government of South Sudan introduced free primary education for all to ensure children go to school and attain basic education. This study assessed community involvement in children`s enrolment and learning. Through their responses using focus group discussions and in-depth interviews, it was established that there were wide range of community members that influenced children’s schooling and learning. This was captured in past studies which typically focused on structured forms of community engagement that take place within the schools. The pupils’ reports on their perceptions of the community members’ influence on learning and schooling were mainly positive. They included: dispute resolution, health care, financial and material support, political advocacy, and infrastructure development. The negative influence by the community members were reported as holding back learning from attending school, insecurity, distractions such as noise; land disputes with schools. Although this study generated a lot of positive responses on the role of the community members in influencing children schooling and learning, resource mobilization as the key aspect of engagement is worth considering