Breaking News – St. Bakhita’s Orphanage

September 1, 2021

Recently we wrote about the tribal conflict that swept unexpectedly through parts of the Tombura-Yambio region of South Sudan, forcing families to flee their homes as shooting and fires erupted throughout communities.

Fearing for their lives, the volunteers at St. Bakhita’s orphanage left, leaving Sister Bianca Bii and all the children residing at St. Bakhita’s Orphanage alone. Our partner Bishop Kussala, having heard of this situation, quickly put together a convoy to evacuate them all temporarily to a safe location. 

This is a breaking news scenario and we will continue to share updates with you as we receive more information. In the meantime, we are grateful Sister Bianca and the children have all been safely relocated. We ask for your ongoing prayers over their situation, especially because their new temporary location still has difficult living conditions, and the evacuation has been very stressful and frightening for the children.

For years, Sister Bianca’s work in rescuing orphaned children and giving them a transformative life at St. Bakhita’s has been supported by the Sudan Relief Fund and our donors. To read more, go here.

Hope for Moses

August 16, 2021

We are so grateful to you for partnering with us to bring help and hope to children at St. Bakhita’s Orphanage. Your response to our appeal from Sister Bianca Bii recently provided crucial resources to meet an urgent need.

Thanks to you, children were able to receive essential food staples, soap, garden supplies, clothing, and medicines for ongoing needs like malaria prevention. Thank you for your generosity. You should know that your sponsorship is changing lives for children who have nowhere else to go.

Let me introduce you to one such young life you are rescuing. Meet 8 year-old Moses. His life was turned upside down one heartbreaking day when tragically both of his parents were shot by militia. In that moment everything changed. Suddenly Moses faced life as an orphan. Can you imagine surviving as an eight year-old all on your own in the perils of South Sudan?

Thankfully, Moses and his brothers escaped with their lives. But his brothers were too young to be able to take care of him. Fortunately, instead of facing abandonment as many children do, he was brought to St. Bakhita’s Orphanage, where Sister Bianca Bii took him in. At St. Bakhita’s he has shelter, a bed to sleep in, clean water to drink, food, clothing, and even basic healthcare. Life has not been easy for Moses. But at least now he will have a chance for a successful future.

Moses is now attending St. Mary’s Primary School, a facility also supported by Sudan Relief Fund. With the help of our donors, we have financed ongoing improvements at the school since 2014. When the roof was damaged in 2020, we were able to supply a new roof. And thanks to our supporters, we funded the construction of an entire new school building in 2019 to keep up with the need.

Lack of schooling is one of the many challenges here, a nation with one of the lowest rates in the world for children in regular school attendance. Being equipped with an education is a tremendous opportunity for Moses to help him achieve a hopeful and sustainable future. Your gifts also fund scholarships to help other orphans living at St. Bakhita’s pay for fees and uniforms so they, too, can have the chance to go to school. Not only does the gift of education prepare these youth to take care of themselves, the educated are often able to raise others up out of poverty and stop cycles of violence.

These are some of the things you are making happen as sponsors of St. Bakhita’s Orphanage. None of this work would be achieved without our team of sponsors and donors who support our work. You are an integral part of everything that is being done here.

On behalf of Moses and other orphaned children like him – children dealing with hardships and tragedies they did nothing to deserve – thank you for your compassion. We hope you are encouraged by seeing the lifechanging results you are bringing into their hearts and lives.

Sincerely,

Neil A. Corkery, President

 

Healthcare, Education, Water and Food Initiatives Mark Progress Made in Past Year with Support

August 6, 2021

The past twelve months at the Loreto-Rumbek campus have seen unprecedented challenges with COVID-19 affecting the complex and inter-related way the world operates. Yet Sister Orla Treacy, Irish missionary and Principal of the Loreto-Rumbek schools, gratefully recapped many steps forward that were achieved in spite of the uncharted circumstances.

 

Healthcare

Earlier this year the government asked the healthcare clinic which operates onsite at the Loreto-Rumbek campus to remain open during COVID, to help serve the swelling needs of the surrounding community. Shutdowns had affected nearly all other healthcare services in the area, and the clinic on the school compound became the sole source of help for thousands of people.

Sister Orla recounted how the clinic typically addressed 1,500 new COVID cases a month at the outset of the pandemic. Now that figure has more than tripled, as they have expanded capabilities to treat 5,000 cases every month from patients coming to their facility for help. “We have been able to expand our healthcare and a greater number of people are able to receive needed medicines because of your support,” she reported.

 

Clean Water

With help from donors, three different clean water access points were provided to the local communities. Sister Orla noted how women and girls are spending less time and walking shorter distances to obtain clean water, since it is now available in or near their villages. She added that hygiene conditions are also greatly improving as people in the communities have access to clean water.

 

Education

Sister Orla shared how the campus was able to provide shelter and education for 300 girls this year from all over the country. She said the girls feel secure and happy living here and thrive in their environment at the secondary school. The school continues to make great strides in providing education to girls in a nation where secondary school is not traditionally viewed as necessary for young women, as well as to protect them from the perils of early marriage. The school also sustained a live-in population of students and staff during the pandemic lockdowns.

 

Food Security

Because of ongoing support, food assistance was provided to many vulnerable families in the community. “A lot of them can’t come in to the compound to receive food help (because of COVID restrictions), but many of our graduates were able to reach out and deliver food to help the families in need,” explained Sister Orla, demonstrating a rewarding example of young adults giving back to the community.

“None of this would have been possible without the ongoing support we receive from the Sudan Relief Fund,” Sister Orla stressed. She urged supporters to share with others the good news of what’s being done in this corner of South Sudan, with the collective help of individuals who are making a difference from thousands of miles away.

Bishop Kussala Calls for Unity as Remijio Is Appointed New Bishop of Wau

August 5, 2021

Bishop Eduardo Kussala of the Catholic Diocese of Tombura Yambio, attended the recent ceremony of the newly appointed bishop in Wau, Reverend Matthew Remijio. The celebration took place in the Wau Diocese, which reaches a population of some 3.7 million people, of which 75% are Christian, with 22 parishes and 29 clergy. The arrival of Bishop Remijio brings to an end a ten-year period of the Diocese having no bishop.

A delegation of church dignitaries, sisters, and hundreds of lay people among others, attended the event. A large caravan carrying many of the local governmental and church dignitaries was flanked by hundreds of people cheering and singing hymns as they followed the procession, despite the dusty conditions and extreme heat.

A native of Wau, the newly appointed Bishop Remijio was originally ordained a Comboni priest in 2004, of the Comboni Missionaries of the Love of Jesus, and served as such until his appointment as bishop.

Bishop Eduardo took the opportunity at the expansive gathering to urge local people to turn from divisions and tribal dissension, and to embrace forgiveness and unity moving forward.

“Forgive the past, open a new page with this new bishop; build new ways in your relationships so that all of you would celebrate the joy that God has brought to you,” he said. Adding, “You have a gift now, make use of it, celebrate it; work together to reclaim the glory of the Catholic Diocese of Wau.”

As part of the rebuilding of the Wau Diocese, renovations have been underway on the church building and surrounding structures that have fallen into disrepair, to improve the offices, the kitchen and dining areas, and the priest’s half-completed residence. Construction is also taking place on a new boarding school in Rimenze. Sudan Relief Fund donated a Land Cruiser vehicle so that the school and Diocese could have a reliable source of transportation to serve the many needs of those in their area.

At the consecration ceremony, Bishop Kussala expressed gratitude for the arrival of the new bishop. He further gave thanks for Pope Francis for “being so keen about the needs of his children” there, and reiterated the Pope’s “desire for a peaceful and prosperous South Sudan.”

To read more, click here: https://rurugene.com/bishop-hiiboro-urges-people-of-wau-to-put-their-differences-aside-and-work-closely-with-their-new-shepherd-bishop-remijio

Mamma

August 5, 2021

As told by Noeleen Loughran, missionary nurse and partner on the ground in South Sudan.…

Mary Adout is about 95 years old. She has leprosy, is blind, and cannot walk. When I first met Mary, it was a harrowing sight. It was a wet and rainy day in the leper colony of Malo, South Sudan, and to my horror, I found her crawling in the mud, unable to see where she was going. She was wearing little to no clothes, was covered in mud, and was shivering.

We came to know that Mary has no children and therefore has no one to look after her. I cannot imagine how she had managed until we found her. We took her to the nearby town of Rumbek, as it was obvious she was sick as she was crying and in pain. Unable to hold herself up in the car on the journey, she rested in my arms.

We proceeded to the Health Care Clinic and were told she had typhoid, malaria, brucellosis and stomach ulcers. She would be treated there for 14 days on strong IV medication. We got her some clothes, a blanket, hot food three times a day, and plenty of juice to give her strength. It was apparent after some time by the wonderful smile on her face that she had never received the comforts of good food and a warm bed before. She began to refer to me as her “daughter” and from there our friendship took off and remains to this day.

Mary is a strong Christian and has a very quiet but cheerful personality. Her smile is empowering. After Mary became well again, with great thought, I realized it would never be possible for her to return to the colony with no one to look after her. So with great appreciation for the Missionaries of Charity here in Rumbek, she now lives with them. Many of the workers recognized Mary when she arrived, and she had lots of stories and conversation for them. She seems so happy and content compared to the lady I first met. I am content now, too, knowing she will be cared for and loved in the Sisters’ home and will bring joy to many as she has done to me.

The Missionaries of Charity do wonderful work here to save the lives of the very desperate, weak, and dying. We are very lucky to have them here and commend their Godly love for those in deep need.

Preemie Twins Saved at Birth

July 13, 2021

The life of a pregnant woman in South Sudan can be challenging. Lack of access to healthcare or even hospitals within many hours’ drive can make any complication turn deadly for both mother and child. An insufficient diet, lack of clean water sources, and strenuous work conditions can exacerbate the problem. But the dedicated staff at Mother of Mercy Hospital – the only referral hospital in the entire Nuba Mountains region of South Sudan, supported by the Sudan Relief Fund – is making tremendous progress to improve these circumstances for women and infants.

One example is the young woman named Nawal who was expecting twins. She was working at home carrying stones for a construction project when she was eight months pregnant. While working, she was suddenly stricken with sharp pains – so severely that she was immediately rushed to the Mother of Mercy Hospital. She discovered she was going into early labor and would deliver imminently.

In less than 12 hours, Nawal’s twin babies arrived prematurely. At a combined weight of only 5 and a half pounds (2.6 and 2.8 pounds each), the twins were in need of lifesaving neonatal care. They were unable to breastfeed, so the nurses instructed Nawal in how to bottle feed the tiny babies.

Under constant supervision at Mother of Mercy Hospital, the twins began to take a turn for the better. After five days, they were strong enough to breastfeed on their own, and six days later they weighed in at 2.8 and 3 pounds respectively, showing encouraging signs of progress.

Neonatal care for premature babies is critical. Without immediate hospitalization and medical intervention, most of these tiny babies will not survive. To have this specialized critical care available for neonatal emergencies in such a remote area is an unheard of blessing in South Sudan. Pictured here at eleven days old with a mother full of smiles, both the hospital staff and Nawal are confident the twins are thriving and on course to grow into healthy, normal children.

Nawal is overjoyed, wishing to thank Mother of Mercy Hospital and those who help to keep it running. She knows very well, “Without this hospital and their donors, my twins would have perished at birth.”

Triumphs Mark 10-Year Anniversary of Independence of South Sudan

July 9, 2021

 

As the world’s newest nation celebrates the tenth anniversary of its independence, we gratefully reflect on the tremendous accomplishments forged in the midst of overwhelmingly difficult conditions, to bring aid and relief to the people of South Sudan. These successes were made possible by people like you – the donors and supporters of the Sudan Relief Fund. Your faithful contributions enabled great progress despite ongoing challenges.  

With your partnership, we provided clean water and agricultural initiatives to communities in South Sudan. We delivered malaria prevention to children and families. We built and supported hospitals and health clinics, bringing direly needed medical treatment to thousands of people. Essential services like surgeries and urgent care, maternity wellness and neonatal care. Much needed medicines, including COVID response. We supported eyecare clinics that brought sight to people for the first time in years. We operated trauma centers to rehabilitate women and girls who’ve witnessed the horrors of war.

With our donors’ help, we’ve built and supported schools, working to give the children of South Sudan an education for a hopeful future, including daily meals and healthcare services that are provided at these facilities. The schools are also protecting young girls from the entrapments of childhood marriage, opening their world to education to equip them for brighter futures.

Your gifts sent vital resources to orphanages, keeping children alive who have nowhere else to go. Your donations have given orphaned children a home, food, clean water, clothing, security, healthcare, a chance to go to school, and the opportunity to feel loved. Consider how much that changes even one child’s life, let alone the many who live in orphanages supported by Sudan Relief Fund. Your gifts touched the lives of displaced families languishing in refugee camps, and are bringing lifechanging treatment to victims of terrible illnesses like leprosy. Your gifts are sharing God’s love with desperate people.

As we look ahead, we know there remains much work to do to help South Sudan secure a viable future. But the light of hope continues to shine in this struggling land with every life that is changed. THANK YOU for making every step forward possible.

I would like to help continue the lifesaving work being done in South Sudan!

UN Organizations Gain Access to Previously Unreachable Regions in Sudan Due to Ongoing Conflict for First Time in Ten Years

June 17, 2021

A cooperative of UN humanitarian and charitable organizations have been able to reach marginalized people and communities in remote parts of Sudan for the first time in ten years – areas previously inaccessible for much needed humanitarian aid due to the ongoing conflict and instability that has plagued the region.

The team of UN organizations recently reported they were able to reach the Nuba Mountains, an area running near the southern border of Sudan and the northern border of South Sudan, a disputed territory between the government of Sudan and the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-North, where a greater concentration of the strife has raged since 2011.

Agencies that have been able to enter the area during the past six weeks included the United Nations Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF), the World Food Program (WFP), the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR), and the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA).

“For the first time in ten years, United Nations humanitarian agencies have been able to access conflict-affected communities in the five non-governmental areas controlled by the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-North (SPLM-N), El Hilu in South Kordofan and Blue Niles states of Sudan,” a joint statement by UN agencies UNICEF and WFP said.

The six-week campaign to bring long awaited relief to these areas cutoff from assistance has just concluded its first wave, during the same time as ongoing negotiations and peace talks continue to take place in the South Sudanese capitol city of Juba, between the government of Sudan and the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-North.

The findings of the agencies indicate some 800,000 people living in areas devoid of support and under SPLM-N control since 2011, are in “dire need” of improved food security, education, health, water, and sanitation services. The mission calls for increased access to the five disputed regions where people “have been struggling and surviving on little to nothing” for a decade, and emphasized that vital ongoing humanitarian access to these vulnerable communities is critical to saving and rebuilding lives.

“With improved food security and other opportunities, families will be able to reintegrate with the rest of Sudan and start to recover and rebuild,” Eddie Rowe, United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) Country Director in Sudan, was quoted as saying.

That humanitarian agencies have been able to reenter the area is deemed a considerable breakthrough at this time and a positive step forward. Approximately 100 metric tons of nutritious biscuits for 25,000 school children in 83 schools were successfully delivered throughout five mission campaigns, according to the UN statement. Food scarcity is an ongoing problem for students in Sudan and South Sudan, and one of the primary challenges to maintaining school enrollment in isolated areas, making the provision of school meals a top priority for humanitarian response.

Abdullah Fadil, UNICEF Representative in Sudan, stressed that “No conditions should ever be set on access; humanitarian assistance should be provided at all times and from all places to those that need it.” He continued, “Findings from this mission are bleak. These children have been entirely ‘left behind’. We have to act now to ensure these children have a future.”

Read more on this story here: https://allafrica.com/stories/202106140711.html

Children Fill Up Classrooms Again as Teaching Resumes at Loreto Primary School Following COVID Shutdowns

June 15, 2021

Following a year-long lockdown due to COVID-19, students of the primary school at Loreto-Rumbek are filling up classes once again. Over 600 boys and girls in grades 1 through 8 returned in May to the primary school, where they are resuming their studies in Dinka (the local language), English, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, and Christian Religious Education (CRE).

As part of ensuring their wellness and ability to learn, each student at Loreto Primary School receives one nutritious meal per day and free medical treatment for basic ailments. The students can also avail themselves of afterschool programs in a number of offerings, including extra support in literacy and math as needed.

The primary school serves as an important pipeline where girls can continue on to secondary level education at the Loreto campus, combating traditional restrictions of early childhood marriage that keep many young girls out of higher education.

Since 2006, Sister Orla Treacy has partnered with the Sudan Relief Fund when she founded the first girl’s boarding school in South Sudan. Born in Bray, Ireland, and a member of the Institute of the Blessed Virgin Mary (known as The Loreto Sisters), Sr. Orla currently serves as Principal of the Loreto Rumbek Primary and Secondary Schools. The faculty and staff are grateful for the vital support received from Sudan Relief Fund which helped them meet critical challenges during the COVID crisis.