My name is Grace Kuyunge. I am a South Sudanese from Central Equatoria State, Kajo-Keji County. I thank God for being faithful to me in choosing me among many for this sponsorship and course. After I complete the course, it will raise me up both academically and professionally. The course has instilled in me knowledge, skills, values, attitudes and teaching methods and techniques for transforming my community and school in particular. Additionally, the knowledge I acquire here can help me cater for my family’s needs like feeding, medical care, school fees and others.
The teaching in the College, both theory and practise, are excellent to preparing a true trained teacher. I feel like I have now acquired the needed knowledge, remaining transferring it to the young generation. The morning devotions and Bible study train us to be morally upright.
The feeding system is good since the College caters for me and my babysitter, providing balanced diet. Most importantly, they offer medical services to all students. Being a mother of five children, I do not mind of the food we eat since I know all about food crises and the reason why I am here. In terms of accommodation, I found it a bit hard because I am renting outside the campus because of the baby. I am not able to join in group discussions during prep time or go for research to the library in the evening due to the insecurity outside when going back in the late hours. But the environment is good for studies. The co-curricular activities like agriculture, volleyball, netball etc are positive activities to equip us to be self-reliant and active.
I really appreciate what the Basic Services Fund (BSF) has done in my life by giving me the scholarship, despite the minor issue I encounter for example studying while having a small baby that is making me not to participate fully in College activities. Thanks to the collaboration between BSF and the government, I am in my final preparation in becoming a resourceful person to my community by exercising all the skills and knowledge that I get from the course. Congratulations to my sponsors who have lifted me from where I was to this destination. I wish and pray for more opportunities to upgrade more teachers, especially female teachers. As the proverb says educating one woman is like educating the whole country. My sincere gratitude and appreciation goes to the tutors who tirelessly equip me to be a useful instrument for our new country South Sudan, which is yet behind in terms of education. My ambition is to pass once without repeating a subject and climb another step in the field of education. Despite a lot of family problems interrupting me now and again, I look forward in struggling in the race for better achievement. My aspiration is to go for further studies if all goes well. My individual dreams are to ensure that my children obtain good education; be a provider of basic needs for my family; and properly help the needy and my parents.

By Suzan Voga.

August 2012.

“From grass to grace,” my long time friend, Mr. Malona Joseph Noah, whom I first met in National Teachers’ College-Muni (NTC-Muni) in Arua, Uganda a year back in 2003, greeted me, when I finally reported to take up my new assignment as a tutor in Yei Teacher Training College (YTTC) following my success in an interview in January 2013.

I, at first did not make out what he meant but gradually I realised he was referring to the under- tree offices we had before joining Yei Teacher Training College.

After completing from NTC Muni, Mr. Malona served as a headteacher in one of the government secondary schools in Morobo County as I was teaching in Fulla Secondary School in Nimule- Magwi County. In our interactions we realised conditions in these schools were the same; no decent offices, no staffrooms, teachers go to school at will, students lack discipline and remuneration is unspeakable, etc.

Things are completely different in YTTC. In fact YTTC is a “small London”. Looking at the storey building Academic Tower alone is enough to justify this, leave alone the ladies dormitory; Harriet Memorial House, also a storey house. With construction of gentlemen’s’ dormitory if God blesses the plan and other developments within the College, nobody will believe such an institution exists in South Sudan and I’m sure in totality that the children of this country and our neighbours who want to become professional teachers will proudly enroll here in their thousands because the attracting charm; the beauty of the environment in addition to the qualitative performance already exists.

Here every staff has an office, though some offices are shared. Most of these offices are located up the Academic Tower, and looking down from this high building gives one the pride of how high one has come. Even the students themselves in their navy- blue suit and whose classes are located up here, feel they are in “University”.

The punctuality of both staff and students in all activities mean real business. The slogan “Not even a second lost”, justifies this, and it is now so deeply rooted that staff and students are always on their toes.

The level of team spirit, discipline, respect and love among the staff here, are what have impressed me very much. Staff stand for one another in all situations .For instance no period is lost because a fellow staff is absent for one reason or the other. Get them during break times, all of them happily sit together and chat freely regardless of their positions. All what they portray is living to the College motto “Strive for Excellence”.

Looking at the students; their discipline, hard work and dedication, I authenticate that for sure this College has great signs of saving this country from one of its big educational challenges; lack of efficient and dedicated teachers to promote and improve the education system of this country for national building, as the College vision states; “Quality Education for Change and Development”.

By: Kenyi Peter Alison (Tutor, YTTC)

I became a professional teacher in 2006 and taught mathematics in some secondary schools in Uganda and South Sudan. During my training my friends advised me to do school practice in a primary teacher Education (PTC) and teach in a PTC after finishing the course because this is where I could best teach the skills I learnt in physical education. This did not work out immediately after finishing but I knew it was a good dream that one day it will become true with the help of God.

In September 2011 I got this golden chance to work in YTTC as a tutor for Physical and Mathematics education as well as head of department for games and sports.

With the introduction of the new PTE curriculum by Kyambogo University, teaching P.E needs to be done practically rather than theoretical. This makes the students to graduate with excellent skills for teaching P.E in the primary schools. Unlike other subjects, P.E is taught practically in the primary school and in all the classes. Our students are loved by the pupils especially during school practice as they teach the discipline practically. Children learn better when teaching is punctuated with plays.

This picture shown is for in-service students-‘Lainya group’ attending a lesson at Sagavoll stadium; YTTC’s sports ground recently. They are learning athletics activities for lower primary and this particular one is called “Tail tag”. Learning them practically enables the students to know how the games are played and taught.

By Abigo Sam.

Introduction

Founded in 2001, Yei Teacher Training College (YTTC) is South Sudan’s largest pre-service teacher training institution bringing together students from all over the 10 States of South Sudan. It has grown from a small College to a regional power, producing some of the best teachers in the country and the East African region. YTTC is affiliated to Kyambogo University Uganda, with full rights to examinations and certification. Through combined efforts and a wide variety of expertise and coordinated abilities, it has grown into an academic hub in the region. YTTC proved its academic prowess in the recently released 2012 Primary Teacher Examination results by emerging top, beating all the 52 colleges in Uganda. In addition to pre-service teacher training, YTTC provides high-quality residential in-service training on school holidays to support education and increase the number of professionals in the country.

Facilities

YTTC is an exciting, friendly and supportive place to study. It has the reputation as the leading provider of excellent teacher training facilities in the region. In 2012, it completed a brand new building – the Academic Tower – containing four classes, an IT suite, a science laboratory and offices for many of the College staff. Recently the College officially opened a new state of the art female dormitory – Harriet Jiraba Kepo Memorial House – with the capacity of 144 female students. Ladies have now moved into this building which has a TV room and offices for female staff. With this space students are able to study in a purpose-built, distraction-free environment. There are also sports facilities, a fully stocked library and a social area with DSTV for students’ recreation all providing conducive environment for a modern institution of learning at the heart of Yei Town. Over 50 computers are connected to the internet enabling students to link with the outside world, and research topics for career and intellectual development in their own time.

Curriculum

YTTC’s main focus is on pre-service teacher training – this is a two year residential course where students graduate with a Primary School Teacher Certificate enabling them to teach in South Sudanese primary schools. The following disciplines are taught at the College: Foundations of Teacher Education, Special Needs Education, General Methods, English Language Education, Social Studies Education, Integrated Science Education, Mathematics Education, Religious Education, Performing Arts (Music, Dance and Drama) Education, Physical and Sports Education, Integrated Production Skills, Early Childhood Development, Kiswahili Education, Local Language Education, Agriculture Education and Information and Communications Technology.

In addition to classroom teaching, students have practical sessions to transfer theory from class to practice. One of these is in Agriculture Education. Students dig and prepare the land for cultivation of various crops, including cabbages, carrots, aubergines, lady fingers, green paper, maize and various local vegetables.

YTTC also offers a variety of in-service courses for teachers who are working in schools, enabling them to graduate as qualified teachers. In-service students undergo a tailored, more concise version of the pre-service curriculum, giving them both breadth and depth in their training. They reside at the College during academic holidays when their own pupils are on leave and YTTC staff regularly conduct follow-up with the trainees, ensuring that they are fully equipped for life in the classroom.

The College also offers Continuous Professional Development (CPD) courses for headteachers, school inspectors and other groups.

The Students’ Life in the College

Students’ life at YTTC is very fulfilling. Students have all sorts of academic and recreational activities to benefit from. Besides the College popular brassband, there are a rich variety of activities on offer that students can get involved in, including: football, netball, volleyball, debate, journalism, Student Guild politics, music, dance and drama, choir, Morale Boosters (Cheerleading), Scripture Union and environmental protection.

The most important thing though is that the students are happy and love each other, demonstrating a true spirit of peace, unity and national cohesion. A visitor just has to come and walk through the compound to see for themselves the type of life the students lead in campus.

What makes YTTC different?

The success of the College lies in the fact that it focuses on giving trainees a real academic experience, upholding only the highest standards with strict discipline and hard work.

Entry Requirements to the YTTC Teacher Training Course

Minimum requirement is Sudan School Certificate or its equivalent with passes in six subjects.

Those with higher certificates stand an added advantage.

Other General Requirements

An application letter addressed to the Principal YTTC, which must be received before the end of January of every year. Application forms can be obtained from the College or government education offices of Yei, Lainya and Morobo and all state education offices in South Sudan.

All prospective candidates are required to attach copies of their academic documents regardless of where the documents originated. Original transcripts and all relevant documents are required during registration for verification purposes.

Admissions Policy

YTTC welcomes all students across South Sudan and beyond regardless of tribe, ethnicity, religion, race, colour, gender and disability. Special attention is accorded to female candidates in accordance with building equity into the College system.

Academic Calendar

The period for application runs from November – January.

1.  Term I: February – April
2.  Term II: June – August
3.  Term III: September – December

Statistics of Registered Students for 2013/ 2014 Academic Year – Year I and II

Current College Tutors - 17 staff (4 females and 13 males)

1.   04 Masters Degree holders
2.   13 Bachelors Degree holders

Appreciation

YTTC extends its thanks to all partners who continue to support and allow the College to flourish, especially EED, Stromme Foundation, Swiss Canons, Save the Children and all other supporters. The ongoing work would not be possible without them.

Contacts

Kepo James

Principal; Yei Teacher Training College

MA. Educational Leadership and Management, Institute of Education, University of London

BA.ED (Economics and Divinity), UCU, Mukono Uganda

Telephone: 0477100533, 0955031018, 0909541630

Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Suzan Voga

Deputy Principal for Academics, Yei Teacher Training College

MA. in International Education and Development, Oslo and Akershus University College

Postgraduate Diploma in Special and Inclusive Education, IoE, University of London

BA in English and Literature in English

Telephone: 0955191802

Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Mr. Amule Felix is the Deputy Director Planning, SMoEST, Central Equatoria State.