About 70 schools in four counties of Jonglei State have been forced to close due to flooding, displacement, and structural damage.
State Minister of General Education, Samuel Ador Thon, said that out of 512 primary schools across the state, many are still struggling to operate, with some learners forced to attend classes under trees.
“In Twic East, around 17 schools are submerged near Panyagor. In Duk County, schools along the riverbank are under water, and in Fangak and Pigi, about 15 schools each have been affected,” Minister Ador Thon told Radio Miraya.
The closures come as rising floodwaters displace families, destroy infrastructure, and disrupt learning for thousands of children across the state.
Education officials warned that prolonged school closures could have lasting impacts on literacy and academic progression.
The Jonglei State Ministry of Education, in coordination with the National Ministry of General Education, is developing plans to renovate and reopen flood-damaged schools.
Officials emphasized the urgent need to restore safe learning environments and ensure continuity of education for affected children.
“The priority is to bring children back to school safely, either through rehabilitated classrooms or temporary learning spaces,” Minister Ador Thon said.
Humanitarian agencies and local authorities are also assessing the scale of damage to school infrastructure and exploring support for displaced students, including temporary learning centers and educational materials.
