Western Equatoria reinstates ban on school camping
The Western Equatoria State Ministry of General Education and Instruction has reinstated a ban on school camping, citing concerns over the safety, discipline and well-being of learners.
The ban, first imposed in November 2025, was reinstated following an Education Cluster Meeting held on Monday at the ministry’s headquarters in Yambio.
The ministry warned school administrators and other stakeholders against organising or hosting unauthorised overnight study sessions.
According to the ministry, all forms of school camping will remain prohibited across Western Equatoria State until official guidelines and compliance requirements are developed and formally issued.
The ministry acknowledged that overnight camping has traditionally been used to prepare students for national examinations but warned that the practice has increasingly been misused.
Officials said unauthorised overnight study sessions expose learners to risks that threaten their safety, protection, discipline and overall well-being.
To ensure students prepare adequately for examinations without compromising their safety, the ministry directed schools to organise group revision sessions only during the day and on school premises under the supervision of school administrations.
It also said night-time studies must take place at learners’ homes under the direct supervision of parents or guardians.
The ministry reiterated that only the State Ministry of General Education and Instruction has the authority to approve school camping activities once official guidelines have been established following consultations with stakeholders.
The ministry has also called on security authorities to intervene and stop individuals or institutions organising, facilitating or hosting unauthorised overnight student gatherings. Those who violate the directive will face appropriate legal action.
The ministry appealed to school administrators, parents, guardians, students and the wider community to comply with the directive to protect the safety, dignity and educational welfare of learners across the state.
