As an educator, it is important to expose students to different cultures and societies, and one such society is that of South Sudan. The Republic of South Sudan is a landlocked country located in East-Central Africa. It is the world’s newest country, gaining independence in 2011, after a long history of conflict and civil war.
Teaching students about the President of South Sudan is an excellent way to start the conversation about this country and its political landscape. Currently, the President of South Sudan is Salva Kiir Mayardit, who has been in power since 2011. Before becoming president, Kiir served as the Vice President of Sudan, South Sudan’s predecessor, from 2005 to 2011.
Kiir was born in 1951 in Bahr al Ghazal, South Sudan. He became involved in the political scene in 1983, when a civil war broke out between North and South Sudan. He fought as a commander for the Sudan People’s Liberation Army, which aimed to create an independent state for South Sudan. Kiir also represented South Sudan in the Sudanese government, working as the head of security for the autonomous region of Southern Sudan.
When South Sudan became an independent country in 2011, Kiir was automatically elected president by popular vote. However, his presidency has been marked with a lot of challenges, mainly due to the ongoing conflict between different ethnic groups and political parties.
To teach students about the President of South Sudan, use a variety of resources, including news articles, documentaries, and books. Discuss Kiir’s background, his role in the independence of South Sudan, and his policies as president. It is also important to give students background information on the ongoing conflict and political issues in South Sudan and how they affect the country’s development and stability.
