By Staff Writer
Government has prolonged the closure of schools for an additional week, following the initial two-week suspension prompted by an unprecedented heatwave.
This announcement was made on Thursday by Martin Tako Moi, the Deputy Minister of General Education and Instruction, who confirmed that educational institutions will remain shuttered until Monday, March 17, 2025.
The decision came after extensive consultations with officials from the Ministry of Environment and Forestry, who presented alarming data indicating that the intensifying heatwave presents significant health hazards for children attending schools.
The rising temperatures, particularly during midday hours, have raised concerns about heat-related illnesses, prompting the government to prioritize student safety amidst these harsh conditions.
In response to the ongoing climatic challenges, the government is also formulating plans to modify the national school calendar.
The proposed adjustment aims to shift the academic year’s start from February to April, a strategic move designed to mitigate the impact of extreme weather and minimize future disruptions to education.
Furthermore, Deputy Minister Moi announced that the marking of Primary Leaving Examination (PLE) scripts commenced on Thursday, with a dedicated team of educators working tirelessly over the next three weeks to ensure the timely assessment of student performance.
Following this initial phase, efforts will transition to the evaluation of the South Sudan Certificate of Secondary Education scripts, marking a critical period for students awaiting their results amid these challenging circumstances.