South Sudan Closes Schools Amid Extreme Heatwave Causing Student Collapses
Nationwide School Shutdown as Temperatures Soar
In response to an intense heatwave causing daily student collapses, South Sudan has mandated a two-week closure of all educational institutions. Deputy Education Minister Martin Tako Moi reported that in the capital city, Juba, an average of 12 students have been fainting each day due to soaring temperatures.
Infrastructure Challenges Exacerbate Heat Impact
The situation is aggravated by the inadequate infrastructure of many South Sudanese schools. Constructed primarily from iron sheets and lacking electricity, these facilities are ill-equipped to provide necessary cooling systems, intensifying the heat’s effects on students and staff.
Government Advisories and Proposed Measures
Environment Minister Josephine Napwon Cosmos has urged residents to remain indoors and maintain hydration, with forecasts predicting temperatures reaching up to 42°C (107.6°F). She also suggested that government employees adopt shift work to mitigate the risk of heatstroke.
Educational professionals are advocating for a revision of the academic calendar, proposing closures during peak heat periods in February and March, with classes resuming in April when temperatures are more moderate. Abraham Kuol Nyuon, Dean of the Graduate College at the University of Juba, emphasized the need for localized calendars tailored to the climatic conditions of each state.
Criticism of Government Preparedness
Civil society organizations, such as Integrity South Sudan, have criticized the government’s lack of proactive planning, asserting that the necessity to close schools during heatwaves reflects a failure to prioritize children’s education and well-being.
Broader Implications of Climate Change
This event underscores the broader challenges posed by climate change in the region. A recent UNICEF analysis revealed that nearly half a billion children globally reside in areas experiencing at least double the number of extremely hot days compared to the 1960s, with West and Central Africa being significantly affected. The escalating frequency of extreme heat events poses severe risks to children’s health, education, and overall development.
Source : Swifteradio.com
