Soaring temperatures in South Sudan have forced the closure of schools nationwide for two weeks, heightening the risk of child marriage, child labor, and recruitment into armed groups, Save the Children warned on Friday.

With temperatures expected to reach 42°C (107.6°F) next week, the South Sudanese government announced school closures for at least two weeks. Additionally, working hours for public employees will be reduced for over two weeks.

This is not the first time South Sudan has had to take such measures. In March 2024, schools remained closed for two weeks during a heatwave that saw temperatures soar to 45°C (113°F).

Children’s Education and Safety at Risk

Christopher Nyamandi, Save the Children’s Director in South Sudan, emphasized the long-term impact of school closures.
“Closing the classroom door often means closing the door to a stable and healthy future,” Nyamandi stated.
He highlighted that the COVID-19 pandemic and sudden floods had already disrupted education, showing that the longer children stay out of school, the less likely they are to return.

This education gap can lead to increased exposure to dangers, including child labor, early marriage, and recruitment by armed groups, as families struggle to survive.

Public Health Concerns and Safety Measures

South Sudan’s Minister of Environment, Josephine Nafon Kosmos, called the heatwave a “serious threat to public health.”
She urged citizens to take precautions, such as avoiding direct sunlight and staying hydrated.

As climate change continues to intensify extreme weather events, humanitarian organizations are increasingly concerned about the vulnerability of children in fragile regions like South Sudan.

The situation underscores the urgent need for climate adaptation strategies, educational support, and protection mechanisms to shield children from the worsening impacts of climate-related crises.

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