By Violet Masibo Ben, Hope Restoration South Sudan

South Sudan is one of the Countries that has been experiencing extremely high temperatures with extreme heat during daytime as well as night. In the months of January to March, temperatures go as high as 45 degrees Celsius, making it impossible for normal human activities, which affects economic activities, livelihoods and worst of all, learning. The extreme temperatures resulting from extreme heat are catastrophic for children’s physical and mental health, not forgetting the discomfort and exhaustion that come with it. The heat makes it impossible for children to engage in normal school activities, be it physical or academic. Almost all schools have no air conditioning and most have very poor ventilation. In March 2024, the government ordered a nationwide closure of schools for two weeks as a way of protecting the children from the adverse effects of the high temperatures. The Government further stated that an average of twelve (12) learners collapsed in Juba every single day, indicating the severe impact of the heatwaves on children in schools.

On February 21^st 2025, the high temperatures forced schools across South Sudan to close again for the second year in a row, depriving children of learning. While children are out of school due to the heatwave, they are exposed to negative copying mechanisms and engage in child labour with a recognisable number seen hocking items, washing vehicles and engaging in petty trade. South Sudan already has one of the highest rates of out-of-school children in the world, and climate change is exacerbating this further. Climate justice is real, and the school-age children of South Sudan are bearing the brunt. It is time for global recognition that the climate crisis is a child rights crisis, and we need a joint intervention to protect the rights of school-age children and their well-being while creating a conducive school environment to allow continued learning. If nothing is done, we will have a whole generation in South Sudan that’s missed out on education and a bulge of dropouts vulnerable to exploitation, forceful recruitment, among others.

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this piece are those of the author/s and do not necessarily reflect the views or policies of AIDMI.