RESPONDING to the imminent threat of an extreme heatwave, South Sudan’s government has announced the closure of all schools starting Monday. This decision, prompted by forecasts of temperatures soaring up to 45 degrees Celsius (113 Fahrenheit), seeks to protect children from potentially hazardous weather conditions.
In a joint statement issued late Saturday, the health and education ministries urged parents to ensure their children remain indoors during this period of intense heat. They emphasised the seriousness of the situation, warning that any school found operating during the heatwave would face the revocation of its registration. However, they refrained from specifying the duration of the school closures.
‘We are taking this proactive step to ensure the safety and well-being of our children during this challenging weather,’ stated Dr. Sarah Kiden, Minister of Health. ‘Extreme heat poses significant health risks, especially for young students, and it’s our responsibility to mitigate these risks to the best of our ability.’
Peter Garang, a resident of Juba, voiced his support for the government’s decision while highlighting the need for long-term solutions. ‘Closing schools is necessary to protect our children, but we must also invest in infrastructure to provide adequate cooling systems,’ Garang remarked. ‘Access to electricity and air conditioning units in schools will ensure a conducive learning environment even amidst extreme weather conditions.’
South Sudan, grappling with the impacts of climate change and ongoing humanitarian crises, faces heightened vulnerability to extreme weather events. ‘Our nation is confronting multiple challenges, from conflict to environmental disasters,’ observed Education Minister Rebecca Akuot. ‘The closure of schools is a precautionary measure to safeguard the health of our children, who are among the most vulnerable during times of crisis.’
The World Food Programme’s latest report underscores the severity of South Sudan’s humanitarian situation, citing ongoing violence, economic instability, and environmental factors as key drivers. ‘Our priority is to provide assistance to those in need, particularly during times of heightened vulnerability,’ remarked WFP Country Director, David Smith. “The closure of schools underscores the urgent need for comprehensive strategies to address the multifaceted challenges facing South Sudan.’
As the nation braces for the impending heatwave, government officials reaffirm their commitment to monitoring the situation closely and providing updates as necessary. ‘We remain vigilant in our efforts to protect the well-being of our citizens,’ assured Minister Kiden. ‘Together, with proactive measures and community resilience, we will navigate through this challenging period while ensuring the safety of our children remains paramount.’