By Hon. Daniel Akol Diing Deng

Dear Sir,

Subject: Request for Calendar Adjustment and Reduction of School Terms to Two per Academic Year thay will run for four and a half months

I respectfully write to your esteemed office to propose an adjustment of the national school calendar and a reduction of the academic year from three terms to two terms for both Basic and Secondary Schools. This proposal is guided by prevailing climatic variations across the country, economic challenges affecting school fees, lack of adequate water points in some schools, and the overall well-being and performance of learners nationwide.

Reasons for the Proposal

Below are some of the reasons that prompted the request for Calendar Adjustment and Reduction of School Terms to Two Per Academic Year

1. Climate Considerations and Regional Variations

Our country experiences significant climatic differences between regions. The extreme heatwaves, particularly in the northern parts, negatively affect students’ concentration, attendance, and health. High temperatures make learning environments unconducive, especially in schools lacking proper ventilation and cooling facilities. Aligning the academic calendar with favourable weather conditions will promote effective learning and safeguard the health of learners and teachers.

2. Lack of Water Points in Some Schools

Many schools, especially in hotter regions, do not have reliable access to clean water. During intense heat periods, the absence of sufficient water points exposes learners to dehydration and other health risks. Adjusting the calendar to avoid peak heat seasons would help mitigate these challenges.

3. School Fees and Economic Hardship

Many families are facing serious financial constraints. The burden of paying school fees three times per year under the current three-term system places heavy pressure on parents and guardians. Reducing the academic year to two terms would lessen the financial strain, making payments more manageable and reducing dropout rates caused by the inability to meet repeated termly obligations.

Proposed Variations in School Opening Dates

Due to climatic differences across regions, I propose staggered school opening dates as follows

Northern States.

Northern Bahr el Ghazal (Aweil)

Unity State (Bentiu)

Upper Nile (Malakal)

Warrap (Kuajok), including Abyei

Western Bahr el Ghazal (Wau and Raga)

These states should open schools in April, when heatwaves are relatively moderate and conditions become more favourable for effective learning.

Southern States.

Lakes State (Rumbek and Yirol)

Jonglei (Bor)

Central Equatoria (Juba)

Eastern Equatoria (Torit and Kapoeta)

Western Equatoria (Yambio)

These states should open schools in February each year, as their climatic conditions during that period are more conducive to academic activities.

Objectives to Be Achieved by Reducing the Terms.

When the three-term programs are reduced to two terms, the following shall be achieved and improvements shall be realized

Improve students’ health and academic performance by aligning learning periods with favourable weather conditions.

Reduce financial strain and the burden of three-term school fee payments on parents and guardians.

Increase school attendance and minimize dropout rates.

Enhance effective teaching and learning through a well-structured, climate-sensitive calendar.

Promote equity by recognizing regional climatic variations in national education planning.

In conclusion, adjusting the academic calendar and reducing the school terms to two per year would significantly benefit learners, parents, and educators. A climate-responsive and economically considerate education system will strengthen national development and ensure inclusive access to quality education for all.

I humbly request your honourable office to review this proposal and consider implementing the necessary reforms for the betterment of our education system.

Thank you for your attention and commitment to improving education in our nation.

Yours faithfully,

Hon. Daniel Akol Diing Deng

MP, NBG State Aweil, SLA

0928866667 / 0988495033

dsdsakol@gmail.com