South Sudan shuts schools as extreme heat overwhelms students

‘We cannot risk the lives of our children. The heat is too much, and many of our schools lack the necessary facilities to protect students from the high temperatures,’ said Deputy Education Minister Martin Tako Moi.

The country’s health practitioners have cautioned that prolonged exposure to high temperatures can lead to heat exhaustion, dehydration, and in some circumstances heatstroke. These conditions are considered fatal if not treated quickly and efficiently.

Local reports indicate that students who collapsed experienced dizziness, weakness, and confusion – symptoms associated with heat-related illnesses.South Sudan’s crisis is one aspect of a broader pattern of extreme weather that has been constantly striking most of the African countries. The world’s rising temperatures have brought with them more frequent and intense heat waves, longer droughts, and erratic weather patterns.

Until urgent and earnest climate adaptation actions are taken, millions of vulnerable children and elderly people will remain at risk, the UN warns.

While the shutdown aims to protect students from immediate health harm, it disrupts learning in a nation where education is already weakened. The education ministry has yet to announce the definite timeline when schools will reopen despite insisting the shutdown is only for two-to-three weeks.

Currently, discussions are ongoing about implementing long-term solutions such as having heat-resistant structures and modifying academic calendars that take climate conditions changes into account.

In the meantime, authorities are encouraging students to continue with their personal learning while at home until temperatures return to normal.

The closing of schools in South Sudan because of extreme heat leaves us with a lesson in climate adaptation for vulnerable parts of the world. As temperatures keep climbing, resource-limited countries need to be creative and sustainable in their response to protecting citizens — especially children.