Rita Akello: The Teacher Who Became a Beacon for Her Students
My journey as a teacher started way back in 2013 after my admission to university to study education. I had dreamed of becoming a lawyer, but the journey that shattered this dream soon turned out to be the best decision ever.
Teaching was never my choice of profession, but there is a saying that “teaching is a calling and not a choice”. For a society to transform, we need qualified teachers because they act as guiding stars for citizens. As I pursued my university course, I realised that a teacher plays a great role in the lives of the different students they interact with. Teachers generally impart virtues and skills that benefit the students, as they are mentors.
My early career in Uganda
Before I joined Ibba Girls Boarding School in South Sudan, I taught in a refugee settlement in Uganda. This was when I realised the power of being a female teacher. Most of my female students were troubled with social issues like rape, domestic violence, and gender-related problems like early pregnancy and early marriage. These problems affected their participation in class.
I quickly came up with ways to overcome these problems. I offered myself to be their most trusted person, and this made them feel free and safe when sharing their problems with me. I became their mentor and requested the administration to create time for girls on the timetable. This soon became known as “Girl Time”, and it was during such moments that we shared our worries and sorrows and came up with ways forward. This allowed me to support the victims and seek help from partners. My desire to transform more lives grew, and I decided to return home to contribute to the education system of South Sudan.
Returning to South Sudan
In 2019, I joined Ibba Girls Boarding School as the Senior Woman Teacher. This position enabled me to become close to my students, who are disadvantaged in society, especially in South Sudan where educating a girl is often seen as wasteful by the community. Only informed parents support their girl child's education. I soon became a mother to all my students because of the bond I had formed with them.
Most of my students come from humble backgrounds, where many family members are naive about education. If not for the golden opportunity offered at Ibba Girls Boarding School, they would never have had the chance to study. I appreciate all the partners working closely with the school to retain girls in education.
Rita Akello is currently the Senior Woman Teacher at Ibba Girls’ Boarding School in South Sudan. Despite never wanting to be a teacher, she says becoming one has been the best decision of her life.
Challenges for girls’ education in South Sudan
From my past experiences, I have encouraged my students never to give up on their dreams, regardless of the challenges they face. Some parents cannot afford scholastic materials which was affecting enrolment at the school. Students began to stay home because their parents couldn't afford the personal requirements. I ensured that emergency materials were kept aside for girls who struggled to access them, available through me. Similarly, I initiated a programme where every girl aged 13 would make her own sanitary towels. These strategies helped us achieve retention of girls in the school and more strategies, such as mentorship sessions, have also been introduced. Through these mentorship sessions, the students have realised their purpose of being in school and are very determined to achieve their goals of completing their education. Retaining girls in school is both about removing the physical barriers such as lack of resources and sanitary products, but also societal barriers, through changing mindsets and helping girls and their families see the value of education.
As a female I have of course faced challenges like other teachers in South Sudan. Many in South Sudan still believe male teachers are superior, causing female teachers to be underrated and denied opportunities. This has discouraged many from entering the profession but despite these challenges, I strive to fulfil my roles and responsibilities and compete with my male colleagues.
“Despite the challenges, becoming a female teacher in South Sudan was the best decision I ever made”
I am looking forward to continuing to impart values in the lives of my students and inspiring them to pursue education. I appreciate the presence of Windle Trust International as an implementing partner of our school and Friends of Ibba Girls’ School as the funders of the school. I hope that, with their various programmes, such as capacity building, I will achieve even greater things at Ibba Girls’ Boarding School.
Contributed by Rita Akello, Senior Woman Teacher at Ibba Girls’ Boarding School, Yambio, South Sudan
Ibba Girls’ Boarding School is a Community School, providing free education to girls in Western Equatoria State and South Sudan at large. Founded in 2014 with just 40 students, the school now provides a quality education to more than 300 girls. IGBS is supported by the Friends of Ibba Girls’ School, a UK charity specifically developed to support the school, and has been supported operationally by Windle Trust International since 2023.