WTI’s First Climate-Resilient Classroom in South Sudan
Primary school students in front of the new WTI-supported classroom block in Abyei.
Construction of a WTI-supported, climate-resilient classroom block in Abyei, South Sudan has just been completed after a record two months' intensive building work.
The new 342m² block in Mading Achueng, constructed on flood-resistant foundations, was designed specifically to accommodate Abyei’s volatile weather patterns.
Mading Achueng Primary School had long suffered from inadequate and unsafe learning structures made of mud, thatch or temporary structures often destroyed during rainy seasons or intense heat. Most of the learning would therefore take place under trees.
BEFORE: Mading Achueng’s primary school learners study under trees.
BEFORE: One of Mading Achueng Primary School’s temporary learning structures.
This project aimed to provide a climate-resilient classroom block to support learning year-round and was designed to withstand South Sudan’s harsh weather patterns — including high temperatures, heavy rains and seasonal flooding.
The climate-resilient design incorporated:
Elevated foundations to resist water stagnation and seasonal flooding.
Ventilated high ceilings and wide windows for passive cooling.
Durable roofing with overhangs and gutters for rainwater harvesting.
Eco-friendly materials and community-based labour to reduce the carbon footprint.
AFTER: The new four-classroom, climate-resilient block for Mading Achueng Primary School in Abyei, South Sudan.
AFTER: Learners in one of the four new classrooms in the WTI-supported climate-resilient school block.
The quick, two-month turnaround during a 42C heatwave was praised by South Sudan’s Ministry of General Education and Instruction in Abyei Administrative Area, who told Project Engineer Arafat Amin that it was the first time they’d had a project finish in such a time.
“I made sure we finished before the rainy season started,” said Amin. “Once the rain starts, movement becomes very difficult and almost all activity comes to a stop. The ground becomes very muddy and even movement by foot is difficult.”
The classroom block is expected to accommodate up to 200 learners, most of whom will be walking barefoot through mud to attend school now that the rainy season has started.
The project has been well received by the local community, who are happy for the children to be able to continue going to school instead of staying home in the rain, said Amin.
“It's also raised awareness of WTI and the varied work it does. The charity was already well known for teacher training and PTA activities, but the school construction has proven to the local community WTI’s commitment to South Sudan’s learners.”