Schools in Kapoeta South County of Eastern Equatoria State will remain open despite a nationwide directive to close educational institutions due to the ongoing heatwave, the county’s Director of Education, Angelo Owiri, has announced.
The decision follows a high-level meeting chaired by Vice President for the Service Cluster, Josephine Joseph Lagu, where officials from the State Ministries of Health, Environment, and Education presented reports on the severe impact of the heatwave. The meeting concluded with a resolution to temporarily close schools across the country.
However, Owiri argued that a blanket closure would disproportionately affect areas like Kapoeta, where educational standards are already low. He emphasized that schools in the county would continue operating under close supervision to monitor the heatwave’s impact on students.
“Our schools are still operating, but we are closely monitoring the magnitude of this heatwave. If we observe any signs that it is adversely affecting our learners, we will comply with the closure order,” Owiri told Radio Tamazuj.
He added that schools in Kapoeta had only recently reopened for the new academic year, and a complete shutdown would further disrupt learning in an area already struggling with poor educational outcomes.
The heatwave has already had severe consequences in other parts of the country. Last week, 12 pupils reportedly collapsed during school hours in Juba due to soaring temperatures.
Concerns over learning disruption
William Owaha, Headmaster of St. Mathew Nursery and Primary School in Ikotos, expressed concern that the two-week closure would particularly affect Primary Eight candidates, who are preparing for exams. He warned that the break could lead to students engaging in non-academic activities, further hindering their progress.
“This order will affect Primary Eight candidates because we are now in the third week of the term. If these children stay at home, they will not concentrate on learning. They may engage in cultural activities and lose focus on their studies,” Owaha said.
He appealed to the National Ministry of Education to allow morning lessons to help teachers cover the syllabus and minimize disruption.
Nationwide closure details
Cletus Oboi, the State Director for Basic and Secondary Education, confirmed that the nationwide school closure would take effect from February 24 to March 24. He urged all school administrators to comply with the order, warning that violations would be dealt with accordingly.
Despite the directive, Kapoeta South’s decision to keep schools open highlights the challenges of implementing uniform policies in areas with varying educational and environmental conditions. Authorities in the county say they will continue to assess the situation and prioritize the safety and well-being of students.
The heatwave has raised significant public health concerns across the country, with temperatures reaching record highs. Officials are urging communities to take precautions, including staying hydrated and avoiding prolonged exposure to the sun.