Alemi Jackson – First Fruit of a Worthy Vision

When in 2011 the Lord began to stir my heart to start a Teachers’ Conference in Yei – South Sudan, I had a pretty clear idea what could result if the objectives were realized. However, I didn’t know how soon the anticipated fruit would arrive.

Through much difficulty, we held the first Teacher’s Conference in 2012 and in 2014, the incredible need for trained teachers hit the conference like a storm.

The Principal of Yei Teacher Training College, Mr. James Kepo, who was one of the facilitators at the Conference rolled out staggering statistics of untrained and trained teachers in the nation.

Following Mr. Kepo’s very thought provoking and passionate call to those seeking training at that Conference, 73 untrained teachers applied and were eventually vetted for the scholarship awards. Sadly, only 33 qualified for admission. This was another huge surprise for me.

We not only had untrained teachers, we also had “un-trainable” teachers, those whose O’Level results didn’t meet the standard required by the College; yet, they have passionately pursued this noble career, some for over 15years!

Among the 33 that got the scholarships, thanks to Rev. Yemi Ayodele, 3 opted for the full-time program (Pre-Service), which would run for two years. One of them was Alemi Jackson.

“My name is Alemi Jackson. I am a student at Yei Teacher Training College who has been enrolled for Pre-Service Teacher Training Program that runs for 2years in certificate level and 3 years in diploma level. I joined this 2014 and will finish in December 2015 or the following year hopefully.

On successful completion of this course I want to serve the people of this nation South Sudan in education so that the country may realize change through the education that I’ll instill in the children.

My ambition is to explore in teacher education to the highest level possible in order to attain a deeper understanding of education, so that societies will be transformed through my efforts. Later on, I would embark on agriculture studies because the nation is starving due to the lack of the knowledge of agricultural practices, and I am hoping that when I attain this education I’ll be able to deliver this knowledge to the people so that they can become self sustained hence creating food security.

Finally, I would like to get a deeper understanding of God so I can bring positive influence to the poor attitudes and bad cultural beliefs of our people.

Big thanks to the Almighty God and to those who have joined hands to fund my education. Blessed are the hands that give. May they receive more in Jesus’ name. Another big thanks to Rev. Yemi Ayodele and Pastor Uche for standing firm with us.”

Jackson completed his certificate program at the YTT College as the best overall student and graduated last December. We’ve offered him an automatic scholarship to pursue his Diploma at the same College. But he aims higher. He wants to go to a University. He is currently awaiting his result from Uganda and Rev. Yemi has given his blessings to his quest.

The best news for me about Jackson is that he gave his life to Jesus at that 2014 Conference.

He said, “When I attended the 2014 Teachers’ Conference in Yei, I didn’t know Jesus. I was a teacher in one of the schools here in Yei and life was bad. When I heard of the Conference, I didn’t want to attend, but somehow, I went and looking back now, it was God’s intervention in my life.

At the Conference, I heard the word of God and it pierced my heart. On top of that, I got the chance to attend YTTC, as Rev Yemi offered us scholarship. I couldn’t believe it. In one day, my life was being totally transformed and heading in a new direction.

I received Jesus that day and till today, have continued to love and serve Him.”

I introduce Jackson here with great joy, relishing the reward of perseverance and faith.

He is the first fruit, but will by no means be the only fruit.

Hear him: