SOUTH SUDAN: Salesians provide humanitarian relief to people who are displaced
More than 700 families receive food supplies
(MissionNewswire) Salesian missionaries with the St. Patrick Province in Ireland have been providing humanitarian aid, including food aid and education, for people who are internally displaced because of violence in South Sudan*. In Morobo, Salesians were able to provide 700 displaced families with basic food supplies that lasted for several weeks, despite the serious difficulties in the region.
In Morobo, teachers from St. Charles Lwanga Primary School have been providing support for people who are poor and vulnerable. The distribution of food was carried out in collaboration with local authorities, community leaders and humanitarian staff from the United Nations Regional Collaboration Center. In addition, the bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Yei attended the distribution of aid, emphasizing the Church’s continued support and solidarity with those affected in Morobo.
The beneficiaries expressed relief and gratitude after receiving the food parcels. “We had nothing left to eat,” said a mother of four children. “This food will help us survive. I pray that there will be more support and that peace will return so that we can go home.”
The crisis in Morobo is part of a wider humanitarian emergency in the country where millions of people remain displaced due to conflict and economic instability. South Sudan has faced recurring violence, forcing people to abandon their homes and livelihoods. Many of the displaced are women, children and the elderly, groups particularly at risk of malnutrition and poor health.
In addition to the distribution of food items, a key component of the program was the education provided to 21 teachers and 14 student representatives from St. Charles Lwanga School. The education focused on child protection and topics such as water, sanitation and hygiene. These topics are essential for promoting a safe, inclusive and healthy learning environment, especially in Morobo, where access to public services is limited.
Father Anthony Doss Leo Arokianathan, economer of the Salesian Delegation of South Sudan, reiterated the importance of partnerships in responding to the needs of the community. He thanked Misean Cara, an international missionary development movement based in Ireland, and the Church for their support of the mission.
These activities are part of the ongoing efforts of the Salesians and their partners to provide holistic support to communities affected by conflict and displacement in South Sudan. By combining immediate relief with education and capacity building, the Salesian community aims to empower communities to rebuild and thrive even in difficult circumstances.
The Salesians in Ireland said, “As conflict and economic crisis continue to devastate communities across South Sudan, it is our privilege to help provide assistance to the affected populations. We ask for your prayers and support for the displaced, to help bring hope in these difficult times.”
###
Sources:
Photo courtesy of Salesians of Don Bosco Ireland: https://www.salesiansireland.ie/story/supporting-idps-and-school-leaders-in-south-sudan/
ANS – South Sudan – Salesians Ireland support internally displaced persons and school leaders in South Sudan
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.
