South Sudan closed schools for two weeks due to extreme heat, which has caused students to collapse. The lack of proper school infrastructure exacerbates the issue. Government officials are urged to adapt the school calendar and implement shift work for employees to protect children during heat waves. The situation highlights the urgent need for education reforms in the face of climate change.
South Sudan has temporarily closed all schools for two weeks due to a severe heat wave causing health issues among students, with reports of daily collapses in Juba. This marks the second closure during recent months of extreme heat as the country grapples with the negative impacts of climate change, including irregular weather patterns that often lead to flooding.
Deputy Education Minister Martin Tako Moi highlighted that around 12 students were collapsing each day in Juba, reflecting the dangerous environment for children. In response, Environment Minister Josephine Napwon Cosmos recommended that citizens stay indoors, keep hydrated, and suggested government departments implement shift work to mitigate the risk of heat-related illnesses.
Most schools in South Sudan lack adequate infrastructure, relying on makeshift buildings without electricity for cooling systems. Christopher Nyamandi, Country Director for Save the Children, emphasized that extreme heat disproportionately affects children’s physical and mental health, vulnerable due to their developing bodies.
Concerns over children’s education have spurred calls for the government to rethink the school calendar, urging closures during the hottest February months and reopening in cooler April. Academic leaders like Abraham Kuol Nyuon suggest that the academic calendar should be adjusted to reflect the differing weather conditions across the country’s ten states.
A civil society group, Integrity South Sudan, criticized the government for inadequate planning, arguing that frequent school closures demonstrate a neglect of children’s educational needs. Nyamandi remarked that prolonged school absences hinder children’s future prospects and contribute to the already high rates of out-of-school children in South Sudan.
With the country facing a delicate health system due to ongoing political instability, and economic issues worsened by oil export interruptions, the government is under pressure. Nearly 400,000 people died during civil unrest between 2013 and 2018, and the postponed elections highlight the administrative challenges sustained through funding shortages.
The closure of schools in South Sudan due to extreme heat underscores the urgent need for policies that prioritize children’s education and health amidst climate challenges. Given the lack of infrastructure and persistent political and economic instability, addressing these issues is critical to securing a stable future for the nation’s youth. Adjusting the academic calendar and improving school facilities can help create a conducive learning environment. Overall, these events highlight a pressing need for a holistic response that intertwines child rights advocacy within environmental justice frameworks, advocating for proactive measures to safeguard the future of South Sudan’s youth.
Original Source: www.euronews.com
