A school is more than a building!
Now that the construction of Ariang School is complete, our real work has just begun. A quality education requires so much more than bricks and mortar or school building. Educational excellence is determined by the quality instruction, effective administration and availability of relevant instructional materials. Even with the beautiful facility in which the community of Ariang is so profoundly proud, many cultural and socio-economic barriers hamper our ability to ensure that each child receives a quality education in the new school.
With the generosity of many friends and supporters, we will strive to remove these cultural and socio-economic barriers to ensure that children of Ariang receive quality education in their brand new school building.
What are the remaining challenges?
Equipping Ariang School with Instructional Materials:
One of our basic, initial tasks is to create an environment conducive to learning. We have furnished the school with desks and still need to acquire relevant instructional materials. Providing students with school uniforms will create pride and school identity. It will also eliminate cultural disparities and school dropouts.
Teacher Training and Instructional Support:
Quality teaching is the backbone of the educational system. Without well-trained teachers, children cannot receive quality instruction. We will therefore utilize a multi-step approach to recruit and develop teachers with the necessary education and skills. Priority will be given to utilizing local teachers and those in the community with an education. We will provide guidance, mentorship and ongoing training to upgrade teachers’ English Language skill, subject content knowledge, and instructional skills.
Curriculum Development: We will work in partnership with the Government of South Sudan to develop and strengthen the existing National and State Curriculum into a comprehensive course of study, which incorporates cultural values of the village.
Lighting Ariang School with Solar Power:
An exciting goal of the Foundation is the plan to independently generate electricity via abundantly available solar power. The children of Ariang have many sustenance responsibilities that help support the well being of their families. The boys tend cows after school and the girls tend to domestic chores. Though necessary for survival, these duties threaten their ability to attend school. The foundation hopes to provide a well lit environment, which will make it possible for girls and boys to do their homework in the evening without compromising their ability to accomplish their necessary duties at home. Availability of electricity will also make it possible for the school to offer adult education in the evening. Additionally, available electrical power will offer the potential to use educational technology in the future.
Fencing Ariang School Campus:
Fencing the perimeter of the school campus will create a distinct learning sanctuary to increase effective administrative oversight of young students. In addition, the fence will provide a higher level of security and safety for the students and staff. It will also prevent cows, goats and sheep from damaging school property.
