Salesians provide aid to displaced persons, women and children

(MissionNewswire) Salesian missionaries are providing aid and support for people as violence continues to escalate in South Sudan*. Tensions have now reached the capital of Juba, where several explosions have been reported. Fear of a new surge in violence is driving thousands of people to flee their homes.

Salesians remain committed to supporting women, children and displaced persons. Manuel Ballester, a humanitarian worker with the Salesian organization Youth & Development, said, “In recent weeks, tensions and violence have resurfaced in South Sudan. The fragile peace built after the 2018 agreement is once again under threat.”

The situation in the world’s youngest country — officially established in 2011 — had already been deteriorating for some time. In March, the president dismissed several government officials, while violent clashes between rebels and government forces erupted in the north. The first vice president was arrested by government forces, further inflaming tensions between rival factions. The situation is extremely dangerous, compounded by the looming threat of a cholera outbreak among the displaced, reported Doctors Without Borders.

In Juba alone, Salesians provide aid to more than 6,000 people who have been displaced, most of whom have fled from central South Sudan. Many have been living in Salesian facilities for more than 13 years, where they receive care and education. At the Juba educational center, Salesians ensure access to schooling for 3,000 children and young people.

“We are present in Juba, as well as in other areas of the country such as Tonj, Maridi, Wau, and Kuajok, where we run schools and training centers for youth,” explained Father Luis Manuel Moral, director of the Salesian Mission Office in Madrid.

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 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.

Representatives from the Salesian Missions Office in Madrid have expressed concern over the renewed conflict and its devastating impact on millions of women and children. The situation is dire — especially considering that over 90% of South Sudan’s population lives below the poverty line, more than 1.7 million children are out of school, and over 75% of the population depends on humanitarian aid for survival.

###

Sources:

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

ANS – South Sudan – The Country Once Again on the Brink of Collapse Amid a New Wave of Violence

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.