(MissionNewswire) Thirty-five teachers from several schools, together with the staff of Don Bosco Radio, attended a three-day training session on trauma healing, according to an article on Catholic News Radio. Facilitated by a doctor working with Salesian missionaries in the Tonj State of South Sudan, the training was aimed at educating teachers and other Salesian staff on how to best solve different issues that affect the health of individuals in their communities.

According to the article, one of the participants, Akoon Arkangelo Akoon, told Radio Don Bosco that the training worked to address physical challenges among individuals in Salesian programs. He said, “The trauma healing program is all about counseling and better knowing the condition of one’s body.”

Akoon added in the article, “I have learned various things particularly on psychological challenges and how the mind is divided into two parts, conscious and sub-conscious. The healing is very helpful when an individual takes it seriously, he or she will have a healthy body.”

Another participant, Adol Marial Abur, mentioned that she learned about issues she believes will change her life and make her a greater person in the near future. The training is particularly relevant given the violence in South Sudan.

The country gained its independence from Sudan in 2011 but is facing an ongoing civil war that started in December 2013 and has resulted in a dire humanitarian crisis. Responding to the ongoing civil strife is nothing new to Salesian missionaries in South Sudan who are dedicated to the programs and services they are providing across the country.

In addition to humanitarian aid, 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 is expansive and largely rural with 83 percent of the population residing in rural areas. Poverty is endemic with at least 80 percent of the population defined as income-poor and living on the equivalent of less than $1 per day, according to the World Bank. More than one third of the population lacks secure access to food.

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Sources:

Catholic Radio Network – Over 30 teachers and radio staff in Tonj trained on trauma healing

World Bank – 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.