Motivational factors and teacher retention in private primary schools in Juba County, South Sudan. Cross-sectional study.

Authors

  • Alier Peter Goch Wuoi Team University Author
  • Richard Semanda Team University Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.64792/xpxmg837

Abstract

Background:

 Teacher retention remains a major challenge in private primary schools in Juba County, South Sudan, affecting the quality and continuity of education. Motivational factors such as working conditions, remuneration and benefits, and progression opportunities play an important role in influencing teachers' decisions to remain in their jobs. This study examined the effect of motivational factors on teacher retention in private primary schools in Juba County.

 Methodology:

The study adopted a descriptive research design and targeted teachers in private primary schools under the South Sudan Private Schools Association. A quota sampling technique was used to select 127 respondents comprising executive head teachers, head teachers, deputy head teachers, and classroom teachers. Primary data were collected using structured questionnaires. Data were analyzed using SPSS Version 24.0 through descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, and simple linear regression.

 Results:

The findings revealed that working conditions had a statistically significant positive effect on teacher retention, explaining 38.1% of the variation in retention (R² = .381, t = 6.750, p < .05). Remuneration and benefits also significantly influenced retention, accounting for 33.6% of the variation in teacher retention (R² = .336, t = 7.711, p < .05). Progression opportunities demonstrated a significant positive effect, explaining 17.6% of the variation in retention (R² = .176, t = 5.409, p < .05). Correlation analysis showed moderate positive relationships between all motivational factors and teacher retention.

 Conclusion:

The study concluded that favorable working conditions, competitive remuneration and benefits, and adequate progression opportunities significantly enhance teacher retention in private primary schools in Juba County. Among these factors, working conditions and remuneration exerted the strongest influence.

 Recommendations:

 Private primary schools should improve working environments through better infrastructure and resources, adopt participatory leadership practices, establish reward and recognition systems, and promote professional development through training, workshops, and research opportunities to strengthen teacher retention.

Author Biography

  • Alier Peter Goch Wuoi, Team University

    i is an education professional from South Sudan with a Bachelor of Education (B.Ed) and a Postgraduate Diploma in Education (PGDED) from the University of Bahr El Ghazal. He completed a Master of Education Planning and Management at Team University. His research interests include teacher motivation, educational leadership, human resource management in education, teacher retention, and school effectiveness in developing countries, particularly within South Sudan's education sector.

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Published

2026-07-27

Issue

Vol. 2 No. 3 (2026): July 2026 Issue

Section

Education and Social Sciences

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Copyright (c) 2026 Alier Peter Goch Wuoi, Richard Semanda (Author)

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How to Cite

Motivational factors and teacher retention in private primary schools in Juba County, South Sudan. Cross-sectional study. (2026). East African Journal of Research and Innovation, 2(3), 25. https://doi.org/10.64792/xpxmg837