South Sudan has declared a two-week closure of all schools after extreme temperatures caused students to collapse in makeshift classrooms. The decision follows reports of 12 students fainting daily in Juba, where iron-sheet structures and lack of cooling systems amplify heat risks.
This isn’t just discomfort – it’s a direct threat to children’s safety,stated Deputy Education Minister Martin Tako Moi. With temperatures reaching 107.6°F (42°C), Environment Minister Josephine Napwon Cosmos urged:
- Mandatory indoor stays during peak heat
- Increased water consumption protocols
- Shift-based work for government staff
Education advocates demand permanent calendar reforms, proposing closures from February to April. Our academic schedules must reflect regional climate realities, argued University of Juba’s Abraham Kuol Nyuon.
Critics highlight systemic failures:
Reactive school closures expose poor contingency planning,charged Integrity South Sudan, a civil watchdog. The crisis unfolds amid political fragility – delayed elections and war-damaged oil infrastructure strain resources. Health systems remain ill-equipped for climate emergencies after 400,000 conflict-related deaths between 2013-2018.
As flooding seasons intensify and heat records break, South Sudan’s struggle exemplifies how climate change disproportionately impacts nations with limited infrastructure. With repaired oil exports still unstable, analysts warn prolonged school disruptions could deepen educational inequities.