Bridging Emergencies to Resilience in South Sudan
KOICA school construction project incentivizes community flood mitigation measures in Bor
South Sudan, Jonglei State, Bor, where the arrival of the rainy season is both a blessing and a burden as it is vital for agriculture but also comes with increasing flood risks because of climate change. Jonglei State is prone to flooding and the rhythm of seasonal floods has now defined its landscape for the last three consecutive years. Every year, as rains sweep the plains, homes are inundated, crops submerged, and families are displaced. For children in Bor the cyclical flood is not a mere seasonal challenge but a significant obstacle to their education.
When water begins to rise, families face the daunting task of relocating their homes and belongings to higher ground. Schools too find themselves at the mercy of the swelling floodwaters. Classrooms are rendered inaccessible, lessons are postponed, curriculum coverage is disrupted, and children are forced to stay home. For many students, absences from school mean losing valuable time, falling behind in their studies and exposure to risks of early marriage and pregnancy for girls.
Despite the recurring nature of the floods, the community had not yet implemented effective measures to mitigate their impact on education, health, nutrition, and other areas affected. The traditional response had been to wait for the waters to recede, relying on temporary fixes like elevating desks and chairs, and waiting on humanitarian and development actors to protect schools. However, these measures are insufficient to address the scale of the problem. The lack of long-term solutions mean that every flood season will bring the same cycle of damage and disruption.
While deeply aware of the challenges, local leaders and parents faced limitations in resources and expertise. The community’s focus remained primarily on immediate survival—securing food, clean water, and shelter—leaving little room for discussions about improving schools’ facilities or constructing flood-resistant buildings.
Recognizing the need for educational and infrastructural resilience, UNICEF embarked on a transformative project offering more than just a place to learn. With the vital support of KOICA (Korean International Cooperation Agency), UNICEF in collaboration with Ministry of General Education and Instruction (MoGEI) designed and is building new school infrastructures that are flood-resilient and that could contribute to community resilience. Elevated on sturdy pilings, the classrooms’ structure is designed to remain above the floodwaters, with reinforced materials to ensure durability. The classrooms, though simple, are built with space to ensure that even in the harshest conditions, students could remain comfortable and focused on their studies.
16 permanent classrooms are being constructed in 4 primary schools: Lualdit, St Andrew, Langbaar, and Ducuum Primary Schools in Bor town. Community members of Lualdit were very excited for their school to have been selected to benefit from the construction of the permanent classrooms.
Mr. David Akech, member of the Lualdit Primary School’s Parent Teacher Association (PTA) and a father of ten children was thoughtful as he recounted community’s response to the project.
In 2023, the PTA in collaboration with the local chief initiated fundraising efforts to mobilize local resources to elevate the school compound to mitigate flood. Each household contributed 50,000SSP (equivalent to $10) which was used to hire a truck to transport soil to raise the school’s compound. After that, community members worked together to level the school compound which is now free from flood.
The arrival of new and more flood-resistant classrooms in Bor is more than just a physical change; it is a catalyst for transformation within the community. With the new project, the resilience of the community shines through. Motivated and incentivized to protect the school from flood, David stressed that “when you are supported, you get stronger” and the Payam schools’ Inspector, Mr. William Riak Malith added that “when someone helps you, you can also do your best to help yourself.” Both emphasizing the catalytic role of the new classrooms in triggering community action. It was remarkable because no household defaulted from contributing irrespective of whether they have a child in the school.
The construction, supported by KOICA, is also about community development and education on flood resilience. As the new structure take shape, it sparks a renewed sense of purpose and collective action among the community members. The construction site is a hive of activity. Workers and volunteers, including many residents, come together to witness the rise of a school that promised to withstand the seasonal floods. In addition, it has prompted a broader awareness campaign. Energized by the prospect of a safe and functional learning environment, schoolchildren are advocating for flood awareness. They have participated in a planting tree initiative and local radio talk shows sharing what they learned with families and community.
The enthusiasm in Lualdit primary school has increased among children and parents. The headteacher Mr. Mading Mabior and the school’s Payam inspector expect enrolment to grow in 2025 due to the improved learning environment. The new classrooms have also increased the interaction between the school and community. There are now 340 children in school compared to 301 children in 2023 and the school’s management is looking forward to supporting more children.
The impact of the new classrooms is also felt in the local economy. The project creates temporary jobs and stimulates local businesses, further integrating the community into the effort. The classrooms built with resilient materials, symbolizes not just a refuge for education but a model of flood resilience for the community to explore and use to protect their homes and livelihoods.
UNICEF thanks the Korean International Cooperation Agency, KOICA for their continued support in providing a safe learning environment for children where floods would no longer mean a disruption of education and community life.
