35 schools closed by floods in Aweil South County

AWEIL – At least 35 schools in Aweil South County of South Sudan’s Northern Bahr el Ghazal state have been submerged by heavy rains, forcing their closure, an education official said on Wednesday.

William Malith Malith, the county’s education director, said the downpours had severely impacted the school system.

“Most of the schools have been shut down and we are incapacitated to make them function. This is worrisome. There is nothing that the educators(teachers) in the affected schools can do. As most of the teaching classes are from the low-lying zones,” Malith said.

The closures have disrupted learning and raised concerns about upcoming exams.

“The examination of August which is second term are nearing and we are worrisome about this. So as teachers we are appealing to the well-wishers to do something about the matter of submerged schools,” Malith added.

Many children are reluctant to attend school due to the flooding, which has cut off their homes, Malith said. He urged education partners to provide plastic sheeting to build temporary classrooms in higher areas.

A teacher, Akot Santos, appealed to parents to support their children’s education despite the challenges.

“I am appealing to the parents to cooperate with us as we are ready to even teach under trees during the days which are clear now cloudy or rainy as exams are approaching in Midst August,” Santos said.

Meanwhile, Northern Bahr el Ghazal state governor Simon Uber has formed a task force to address the needs of internally displaced people, returnees, and refugees affected by the floods and economic hardship.