The school re-opened on 6th October for the cohort of 26 Primary 8 students, who continue to prepare for their Primary Leaving Certificate exams which are due to take place in February. In line with the South Sudan Government's guidance, the rest of the 280 Primary and Secondary students and staff will return to resume their schooling at the end of March 2021. The students returned to the school with all the requisite COVID-19 restrictions in place, including regular hand-washing and the use of locally-made facemasks.
Having managed the safe and successful return of the Primary 8 cohort, IGBS Head Teacher Vicky Dratia has been granted maternity leave and will return to the school in time for the full school reopening next March. In her place, long-serving teacher Yoane Kumbonyaki has been appointed Acting Head Teacher and will oversee the school's operations and the Primary 8 curriculum and teaching. Vicky was able to provide Yoane with a comprehensive handover before her departure and will still be supporting the school over email and phone while she is away. FIGS wishes Vicky the very best for the safe delivery of her baby and we look forward to welcoming them both back to Ibba shortly!
We would also like to give a special thank you to the other IGBS teachers (Fabiano, Uyaka, Elias Gadia, Akelo Rita), and the school nurse, matron, cook and support staff currently on site, for their tenacity and perseverance during this difficult time. An additional special mention should be given to teacher Fabiano, who has remained at the school since its initial closure in March, when he took personal responsibility for the security and maintenance of the school site and its assets.
We are extremely grateful to IGBS Teachers Uyaka (left) and Fabiano (right) for their tireless work in keeping the school safe and running smoothly.
