East African children are urging world leaders at COP29 to protect education threatened by climate change impacts.
Siama, 17, from South Sudan, missed school when temperatures soared to 45°C, highlighting the lack of climate-resilient schools.
More than 40 million children globally faced school closures this year due to extreme heat, worsened by climate change.
Naomi, 14, struggled to prepare for exams during closures, saying, “The heat made it impossible to focus at home.”
Nafiso, 16, from Somalia, worries about her future as droughts and floods disrupt farming and her ability to attend school.
“This makes us fear the future,” Naomi said. “We need climate finance to build resilient schools and secure education.”
Their plea is a stark reminder of the urgent need for climate action to safeguard education and their futures.
