The presence of hundreds of internally displaced people (IDPs) at a school in Eastern Equatoria State is a serious threat that could disrupt the planned reopening of classes next month, a church bishop warned.
Schools in Eastern Equatoria State are scheduled to reopen for the new academic year on Feb. 2.
Officials at Grace International Academy in Imurok Payam, Torit County, said the urgent relocation of IDPs occupying the campus is critical to ensure students can return.
Bishop Charles Joshua Lokurudek, the school owner, told Radio Tamazuj on Tuesday that the continued occupation would severely disrupt education. He called on the local community to allocate temporary land for the displaced.
The school is currently sheltering 495 households, or 1,628 people, according to the bishop.
“As we approach the school reopening on February 2, this situation poses a significant problem for us,” Lokurudek said. “Immediate action is required to provide these individuals with a temporary place to stay.”
Teacher John Luka said the occupation has led to the destruction of desks and other materials. He appealed for immediate support from the government and education partners, noting enrollment is expected to rise due to the IDP presence.
“We urgently need government assistance,” Luka said. “Many benches have already been damaged.”
Community allocates land
Omita Jackson, the Payam executive administrator of Imurok, confirmed the community has allocated a one-kilometer area of land for the IDPs. He urged the government and aid groups to expedite humanitarian assistance and help build shelters.
“We request Grace International to assist with semi-permanent shelters made of iron sheets to help the IDPs,” Jackson said. “Immediate help is critical, as these people are suffering.”
Harsh conditions
The IDPs, fleeing conflict, described severe hardship. Mary Imang, a displaced mother of seven, cited a dire lack of food and health services.
“We are suffering, along with our children. In one room, we cram about 50 to 60 people,” she said. “We have no vegetables, no food; we are surviving on tamarind fruits.”
Elder Arkangelo Logwaluk, speaking for the IDPs, confirmed their willingness to relocate to the allocated land to make way for the school but said building materials are needed.
“We are here because of the conflict in our area, not by choice,” he said. “With the school reopening soon, we need to begin clearing the land for construction to ensure that children can join school as soon as possible.”
The conflict-displaced families fled fighting in November between SSPDF and SPLA-IO forces in their villages.