Families now sleep in dry conditions with greater sense of security

(MissionNewswire) Salesian missionaries in the Gumbo refugee camp in Juba, South Sudan*, are improving the living conditions of vulnerable families by providing waterproof tarpaulins for the rainy season. More than 5,000 people are impacted by this donation.

The humanitarian emergency in South Sudan continues to worsen because of 12 years of internal war, which is compounded by the conflict in neighboring Sudan. Thousands of people flee every day from violence and insecurity, and many have found refuge in the camp for displaced persons run by Salesian missionaries in Gumbo.

A Salesian explained, “In this extremely precarious environment, where more than 6,000 people survive in very difficult conditions, the arrival of the rainy season always poses an additional threat. The plastic sheets that served as roofs for many of the makeshift temporary shelters were worn or torn after years of use in extreme weather conditions, with high temperatures, strong winds and torrential rains. Without adequate protection, families, especially those headed by women, the elderly, persons with disabilities and young children, were at real risk of disease, flooding, and losing what little they had.”

Salesian missionaries, with the support of the Provincial Planning and Development Office, launched an emergency response to distribute quality waterproof plastic sheeting to the 750 most vulnerable families in the settlement. Thanks to substantial funding and rapid logistics, UV-resistant tarpaulins were purchased. Each family received two, which is enough to cover their temporary shelter.

Father Leo Arokianathan, who heads the project, said, “It was not just about delivering materials, but about ensuring the dignity of these people and showing them that they are not alone. The seemingly simple gesture has had a profound impact. More than 5,000 people, including 3,610 women, now sleep in dry conditions, protected and with a greater sense of security.”

A mother who received the tarpaulins added, “The sheet is more than just a roof. It’s the difference between a peaceful night and a frightening night in the rain.” The sheets also help to preserve the privacy of families and protect essential items, including kitchen utensils and children’s clothes.

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Sources:

ANS Photo (usage permissions and guidelines must be requested from ANS)

ANS – South Sudan – Tarpaulins to shelter from the rain and give dignity to displaced persons in chaos

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.