Recipients include people who are internally displaced, children

(MissionNewswire) More than 20,000 people, who are part of the Don Bosco Mission in South Sudan*, had access to better nutrition through two shipments that arrived in the first quarter of 2026. The food shipment was the result of a partnership between Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco, and Rise Against Hunger, a nonprofit that helps underserved people worldwide achieve food security and resilience.

The Don Bosco Mission supports primary schools with about 7,000 children, three secondary schools accommodating around 1,800 students and approximately 5,900 internally displaced persons living in the Don Bosco Camp. The mission also includes five parishes where many vulnerable and low-income families reside. The fortified rice meals played a crucial role in addressing immediate food needs, especially among children, students, displaced families, and the poorest members of the surrounding community.

Among the recipients are those internally displaced with the Don Bosco Mission Juba, students with Don Bosco Mission Maridi, vocational students with Don Bosco Mission Wau and Don Bosco Mission Kuajok, children living on the streets and neighborhood families with Don Bosco Mission Tonj, and students in primary and secondary school as well as parishioners with Don Bosco Mission Morobo. The rice is being utilized for daily school feedings, a monthly ration for those displaced living in the Don Bosco Camp in Gumbo, Juba, and as timely support for poor families in the parish and neighborhoods.

One of those supported is Sunday, who lives in the Don Bosco Camp. She noted that every day is a struggle to find food and a sense of safety. She said, “Some days we would only eat once, and sometimes not even a single meal. Our parents and guardians worried constantly about how to find food as many donors had pulled out of supporting us, therefore many of us relied on irregular support, and when supplies ran out, it created tension and fear in the community.”

Sunday added, “When the rice finally arrived and was distributed, it made a real difference. For a time, families didn’t have to worry as much about their next meal. In my own home, we are able to eat regularly, and this has brought a sense of relief and dignity.”

Another recipient, Mary, is a student at the Don Bosco Primary School in Gumbo. Being internally displaced has made life challenging, but Mary still has hope for the future. She’d like to be a teacher one day. She said, “Even with challenges, going to school gives me hope. It is a place where I can learn, play with my friends and feel safe. But many days, I would come to school without eating anything. It was hard to concentrate in class, and sometimes I felt too weak to fully participate. I know many of my classmates had the same problem, and it affected our learning.”

Mary noted, “Now that the project is being implemented, it has made a big difference in my life. Every school day, we are given rice for breakfast. This simple meal has helped me so much. I feel stronger, more focused and ready to learn. It has reduced the hunger I used to feel in the mornings, and I can now pay attention in class and enjoy my studies since I am assured of a meal both at school and home. This has impacted my friends too. One of my friends said that before she sometimes stayed home because she was too hungry, but now she comes to school every day. Another friend mentioned that the rice has helped his younger siblings too when food is shared at home. We all agreed that it has brought positive changes, even though we still hope for more support.”

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)

Rise Against Hunger

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.