At the university of Juba, students gave recounts of various issues they went through, even as they dug through the roots in search of academic success, at the height of the economic downturn

By Ajah Jennifer

At the height of the festive season, as the year strides to a close, many things have happened in the country, including some commendable progress as well as challenges. From the climatic effects such as extreme heat waves experienced earlier in the year, influx of refugees due to the war in Sudan, the challenging economy and the floods, to the various landmark legislative processes and relative national peace, the country has straddled so much.

Students in higher learning institutions, have, however, had their own share of experiences.

At the university of Juba, students gave recounts of various issues they went through, even as they dug through the roots in search of academic success. As the cost of living went high, most of the students had a rough time maintaining the school lifestyle and affording reading materials as well as transport.

Ajak Kou, an Applied Science student that joined the University of Juba after conflict broke out in Sudan, says the transition was not easy even though he eventually settled at the institution.  

“I was studying chemical engineering in Sudan and then because of war I left Sudan, I came to Juba and I went back to the university. So that’s been good for me because I’ve gone back to university. I didn’t get the course I wanted because it’s not in Juba University but it’s fine for me personally” Ajak said.

Ajak explained that the nation has gone through a lot of ups and downs through the year, including to causes related to climate change. “People died. Personally, a family friend passed away due to the extreme heatwaves” he said. The students also mentioned the hike in water prices by water service providers as well as the increasing dollar rates that caused inflation in the market, to have affected many households.

Ajak said the situation concerning the truck drivers refusing to enter the country due to insecurities and double taxes was dire and will affect the market. Despite that he also applauded the government for enacting restrictions on imports, and urged for exclusion of illegal roadblocks.

Lauding praises on the South Sudanese public, the students noted the high-level resilience among the citizens, as they survived the hardships exacerbated by civil servants lack of payment of salaries.

“There was no salary for civil servants, but they persevering. They kept the faith. University lecturers were also caught in this mix. They continued to teach despite not receiving their pay,” he said.

Meanwhile, a transfer student from the University of Khartoum that identified himself as Abraham, says the first few months of the year were challenging as they were forced out of their homes to seek refuge in Juba, a city that was receptive and welcomed them. Abraham hopes the new year will bring peace to Sudan and they will be able to return.

Medical laboratory student, Busu, lamented on government taxes, and urged that the policymakers consider harmonizing taxation as the high taxes are negatively affecting people.

Eruption of gunfire in the thongpiny area months back is an incident Margaret Adoug, cannot easily erase from her thoughts. She recalls insecurity being one of the biggest challenges during the year.

Adoug said the economic downturn also affected her schooling as she had to endure high transportation costs that continually became unaffordable.