South Sudan has closed schools for two weeks due to a heatwave causing student collapses. With temperatures reaching 42°C (107.6°F), authorities reinforce safety measures urging residents to stay indoors and adjust work shifts. Education officials advocate altering the academic calendar to avoid similar incidents as the country grapples with climate change’s effects and systemic educational challenges.
South Sudan’s government announced a two-week closure of all schools due to a severe heatwave that has led to students collapsing, marking the second such closure during February and March. This ongoing climate crisis, exacerbated by flooding during the rainy season, continues to impact educational facilities poorly equipped to handle high temperatures.
Deputy Education Minister Martin Tako Moi reported an alarming average of 12 student collapses daily in Juba, attributed to the lack of proper shelter and cooling systems in most schools, which are constructed from iron sheets and lack electricity.
Environment Minister Josephine Napwon Cosmos cautioned residents to remain indoors and stay hydrated, as temperatures might reach up to 42 degrees Celsius (107.6 degrees Fahrenheit). Additionally, she suggested that government employees work in shifts to mitigate heat-related health risks.
Education professionals have proposed reconfiguring the school academic calendar, advocating for closures in February and a return in April when temperatures are milder. Abraham Kuol Nyuon from the University of Juba emphasized the need for a localized calendar that reflects weather variations across the ten states.
Integrity South Sudan, a civil society group, criticized the government’s lack of proactive planning, arguing that halting education during extreme heat reflects a neglect of children’s educational needs. South Sudan’s health and educational systems are fragile due to previous conflicts and ongoing economic hardships due to interrupted oil exports and delayed elections.
In summary, South Sudan has temporarily closed schools due to extreme heat affecting students’ health, revealing systemic challenges in infrastructure and planning. Calls for adjustments to the academic calendar highlight ongoing issues related to climate change impacts, emphasizing the necessity for government action in prioritizing education and health infrastructure. Conversely, these developments underscore the intersection of climate and governance, necessitating a robust response from authorities to prevent further educational disruptions amid a fragile health system.
Original Source: www.arabnews.com
