Cathy calls her friend Adez from school and asks why she isn’t in school yet but Adez says the rain has flooded her area
Edna Abena Kum Turkson
Flooding poses a major threat to students' ability to consistently attend school, especially in communities prone to heavy rains and rising waters. When roads, bridges, and even school grounds become submerged, it creates dangerous conditions that prevent children from safely traveling to and from their classrooms. This can lead to extended school closures, significant learning disruptions, and put students at risk of falling behind academically.One of the most effective solutions is to invest in improving the drainage infrastructure in flood-prone areas. This could involve installing or upgrading storm drains, building retention ponds or other flood control measures, and clearing culverts of debris. Partnering with local engineering experts to conduct assessments and design tailored drainage systems can go a long way in keeping roads, bridges, and school grounds accessible during heavy rains.Schools and communities should also work together to develop robust emergency plans for flooding events. This includes establishing clear protocols for school closures, organizing evacuation routes, and coordinating the safe transportation of students when flooding occurs. Maintaining strong communication channels between schools, families, and emergency services is critical so everyone understands what to do when floods are imminent.In addition to preparedness, making schools more resilient to flooding itself is an important long-term strategy. This could involve elevating school buildings, classrooms, and critical infrastructure like computer labs and libraries above projected flood levels. Using flood-resistant construction materials and designing effective drainage systems within school grounds can also help prevent water damage and allow classes to resume more quickly after a flood. In some cases, relocating schools to higher ground may be the best solution.Finally, educating students, teachers, and the broader community about flood risks and preparedness is essential