Schools move to half-day classes as El Niño drought hits Bougainville
Schools across North Bougainville have been forced to implement half-day instruction following severe water shortages caused by ongoing El Niño drought conditions.
Autonomous Bougainville Government [ABG] Education Secretary Dorothy Kenneth said the temporary timetable took effect on Monday and will remain in place until further notice.
Under the emergency schedule, classes operate from 9am until midday, allowing students to return home before peak afternoon heat. Teachers are using the afternoons to secure household water supplies for their families and prepare home-learning materials for students.
Ms Kenneth said North Bougainville has experienced worsening water scarcity since Term Three, creating significant hygiene and welfare risks for both students and teaching staff.
While North Bougainville faces severe dry conditions, South Bougainville is currently experiencing heavy rainfall and flooding. Central Bougainville has so far reported no major climate disruptions.
The Education Department warned that schools in other regions may also adopt shortened hours if conditions deteriorate.
To manage the ongoing crisis, the ABG Education Department has issued several directives for schools across the region:
- Cancellation of all outdoor activities, including physical education, practical agriculture, and work parades during normal operating hours.
- Prohibition of school carnivals, bazaars, and fetes for the duration of the El Niño period.
- A requirement that all students bring a personal water bottle to school daily.
- Mandated establishment of school-level El Niño committees to submit weekly situation reports to the Education Secretary.
Ms Kenneth emphasized that the primary focus remains protecting the health and safety of students and staff while maintaining educational continuity through the dry spell.