Charcoal for School Fees: How John Paul II Seminary is easing burden for learners
By Emmanuel Mandella
In a move that has elicited positive reactions in Western Equatoria State, St. John Paul II Institute of Philosophy in Yambio has introduced an initiative that is set to ease the financial burden to struggling students.
The institution has directed that the seminarians will now pay part of their tuition fees with farm produce, livestock, or charcoal, instead of hard cash.
The idea, described by students as a “lifeline,” comes at a time when families across South Sudan are grappling with high school fees, driven by the rapid depreciation of the South Sudanese Pound against the U.S. dollar.
For Seminarian Kinaregu Justin Richard, a second-year philosophy student, the initiative has been nothing short of a miracle.
“Honestly, the money requested was too much for me to raise. But when the administration accepted charcoal and other goods, I was able to manage and continue my studies,” Justin told The City Review.
“I want to encourage other students not to remain at home because of money. Whatever you have be it a goat, chicken, or charcoal bring it. It can sustain you and support your vocation.”
Currently, seminarians are required to pay $150 per semester (about 920,000 SSP at today’s exchange rate). Justin managed to cover nearly all of his fees by bringing 20 sacks of charcoal, each valued at 50,000 SSP, leaving him with only a small fee balance.
Fr. Vairi Natale, Rector of the Institute, explained the reasoning behind the policy shift.
“We noticed that many seminarians were struggling to raise cash because families are already under pressure to support multiple children. Some students were almost dropping out of school. Instead of losing future priests and leaders, we asked ourselves: why not allow families to contribute directly from what they have?”
He added that items like goats, chicken, bags of maize, cassava, or charcoal not only help cover tuition fees but also support the seminary’s kitchen and daily running costs.
“This system strengthens the bond between community life and education. It turns local resources into a bridge for education.”
Parents, who have long struggled with rising tuition fees, welcomed the new arrangement.
Mrs. Margaret Naumba, a mother from Yambio whose son is also studying at the seminary, said the initiative gave her hope.
“I have five children, and paying fees in dollars is nearly impossible. But with this system, if I have cassava or a goat, I can give it and my son continues with school. This is a blessing in such a hard economy.”
Education experts say the idea could set a precedent for other learning institutions in South Sudan.
Mr. Francis John, an education consultant, said the model promotes inclusivity at a time when many learners are being pushed out of school.
“The economic crisis has created a huge barrier to education. If schools can adopt flexible fee-payment systems; whether in kind or through community contributions, it will reduce dropout rates significantly. This initiative by St. John Paul II Institute is an example of innovation rooted in culture and survival.”
In Western Equatoria, where most families rely on small-scale farming or selling charcoal for survival, the soaring cost of education has forced many children out of school.
With inflation pushing school fees higher each semester, parents are often faced with the painful choice of keeping one child in school while others stay at home. Many families spend months searching for casual labor or selling produce at fluctuating prices to raise tuition.
“It is heartbreaking to see children sitting at home just because their parents cannot raise money in cash. But now, if goats or produce are accepted directly, children will not lose their future,” said Mr. Lawrence Mariaka, a farmer from Maridi.
While the initiative is currently limited to church institutions like St. John Paul II Seminary, calls are growing for government and private schools to adopt similar models.
Justin made a passionate appeal to the education stakeholders in the country citing to adopt a similar initiative.
“Education, which has been expensive, can now be subsidized when we explore such alternatives. Instead of selling everything in the market, schools can now take our produce in exchange for hard cash. That way, no child will be left behind.”
As the economic downturn deepens, the seminary’s initiative is not only keeping students in school but also sparking a wider debate about how education can be made affordable and sustainable in the country.
