Shipment includes books, bicycles and clothing

(MissionNewswire) Salesian missionaries with the Don Bosco Mission in South Sudan* received a shipment of essential goods thanks to partnerships facilitated through Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco. The shipment included books, bicycles, mattresses, clothing and water bottles. Sanitizing wipes were provided by Feed the Children, a global movement working to end childhood hunger. Flexport.org helped facilitate several additional items.

This collaborative effort is helping to improve daily living conditions and support the health, education and well-being of vulnerable students in primary, secondary and vocational education. Salesian teachers, security staff, and parishioners in Salesian parishes in Morobo, Maridi, Tonj, Gumbo, Wau and Kuajok, were also among those who received the donation.

One of the recipients was Jane, who is a teacher at Don Bosco Primary School in Gumbo. She said, “Life in our community can be very difficult, especially when it comes to having basic things like clean water and something safe to carry it in. Before I received the water bottle, I used to bring water to school in an old plastic container that would heat up with the weather. Sometimes I would not be able to drink the water as it would become very hot, and I would feel very thirsty during lessons. It made it hard to concentrate, especially under the hot sun. The day we received the water bottles was very special to me. I remember holding mine tightly and feeling proud because it was new and strong. I didn’t have to worry anymore about my water getting warm within minutes during my lessons.”

She added, “Now I can keep my water safe. I don’t have to feel thirsty in class anymore. I can focus better, and I feel more comfortable knowing I have clean water with me. It may seem like a small thing, but for me, it has made a big difference.”

Taban is a young security guard working at the Don Bosco Compound in Gumbo. His job is to help keep the mission safe, especially the schools, the camp and the general compound. He noted, “Before I received the bicycle from Salesian Missions, doing patrols was very difficult. The compound is large, and I used to walk long distances every day and night. During night shifts, it was especially challenging. I would get tired quickly, and sometimes I couldn’t cover all the areas in time. This made me worry because I wanted to do my job well and ensure everyone was safe.”

He added, “When I was given the bicycle, it changed my work immediately. I remember the first day I used it for patrol. I was able to move faster and reach places I used to struggle to get to on time. It gave me confidence and made my work more effective. Even at night, I now feel more prepared. I can respond quickly if there is a concern, and I can check on different areas more frequently. It has also helped me save energy so I can stay alert throughout my shift.”

Salesian missionaries in South Sudan are dedicated to providing programs and services across the country. Salesian missionaries provide education, social development services, nutrition programs, and health clinics for poor youth and their families. For some, the education offered at Salesian schools is the only opportunity to gain an education and the skills necessary for future employment.

South Sudan gained its independence from Sudan in 2011 but has faced an ongoing civil war that started in December 2013 and continues today. This has resulted in a dire humanitarian crisis. According to the United States Institute of Peace, more than 10 million people have been forced from their homes. The war has also triggered the world’s worst hunger crisis with more than 18 million Sudanese living in acute food insecurity.

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Sources:

Photo courtesy of Salesian Missions (contact for usage permissions)

Feed the Children

Salesian Missions – South Sudan

*Any goods, services or funds provided by Salesian Missions to programs located in this country were administered in compliance with applicable laws and regulations, including sanctions administered by the U.S. Department of Treasury’s Office of Foreign Asset Control.