Schools to reopen in South Sudan after two weeks of extreme heat

Africa
By VOA | Mar 27, 2024
People stand by their houses in Juba, South Sudan, on Feb. 5, 2023, during a heatwave. [AP Photo]

South Sudan's government on Tuesday said schools will reopen next week following a two-week closure due to extreme heat across the country.

The health and education ministries said temperatures were expected to steadily drop with the rainy season set to begin in the coming days.

South Sudan in recent years has experienced adverse effects of climate change, with extreme heat, flooding and drought reported during different seasons.

During the heatwave last week, the country registered temperatures up to 45 degrees Celsius (113 Fahrenheit).

Teachers have been urged to minimize playground activities to early morning or indoors, ventilate classrooms, provide water during school time and monitor children for signs of heat exhaustion and heatstroke.

Health Minister Yolanda Awel Deng singled out Northern Bahr El-Ghazel, Warrap, Unity and Upper Nile states as the most-affected areas.

Higher learning institutions have remained open.

Some schools in rural areas also have continued despite a warning from the education ministry.

Share this story
Junior Starlets share spoils with Teen Cranes
Junior Starlets laboured to a 1-1 draw with Uganda’s Teen Cranes in the first leg match of the second round of the 2026 Fifa Under-17 Women’s World Cup qualifiers
Kenya Lionesses to renew rivalry with Uganda Lady Cranes
The Kenya Lionesses will begin their 2026 Rugby Africa Women’s Cup Performance Division campaign with a tough regional derby against Uganda Lady Cranes on Saturday 
Shujaa hand Mola maiden call-up for World SVNS legs
Kenya Sevens coach Kelvin Wambua on Friday named the squad that will represent the country in the upcoming World SVNS Championship legs in Valladolid and Bordeaux
Allan Thigo was not only a good player but a great leader
Thigo, who hailed from Kano plains in Kisumu had moved and set up home in Bungoma where he was enjoying his retirement, occasionally coming out to grace football events.
Maguire, Palmer and Foden left out of England World Cup squad
Cole Palmer and Phil Foden were among several high-profile players left out of Thomas Tuchel's World Cup squad announced on Friday.
.
RECOMMENDED NEWS