In Morobo County, necessary interventions have been supported to help the poorest and most vulnerable families, with teachers from St Charles Lwanga Primary School providing concrete support in the areas of hygiene and safety.
During this initiative, the Salesians were able to provide 700 displaced families with basic food supplies that lasted for several weeks, despite the serious difficulties in the region. The distribution of food was carried out in collaboration with local authorities, community leaders and humanitarian staff from the United Nations Regional Collaboration Centre (RCC) in Morobo County. In addition, the bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Yei attended the distribution of aid, emphasising 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 woman, 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 of displaced persons in Morobo County is part of a wider humanitarian emergency affecting South Sudan where millions of people remain displaced due to conflict and economic instability. The county has been the scene of 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.
Fr 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 then thanked “Misean Cara”, an international missionary development movement based in Ireland, and the Church for their support of the mission to ‘serve with compassion and empower’. He then expressed the ongoing commitment of the Salesians of Don Bosco to serve the most vulnerable not only in Morobo, but also in other areas of the country facing similar challenges.
‘These food items are not only nourishment, but a symbol of hope and human dignity. We are here to support our brothers and sisters who are displaced not only physically, but also spiritually,’ added Fr Leo.
In addition to the distribution of food items, a key component of the programme was the formation provided to 21 teachers and 14 student representatives from St Charles Lwanga School. The formation focused on child protection and topics such as water, sanitation and hygiene in general. These topics are essential for promoting a safe, inclusive and healthy learning environment, especially in Morobo, where access to public services is limited.
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.
‘As conflict and economic crisis continue to devastate communities across South Sudan, it is our privilege to help provide assistance to the affected populations,’ write the Salesians of Ireland. ‘We ask for your prayers and support for the displaced, to help bring hope in these difficult times.’
For more information about the project and how you can help, please visit the Salesians of Ireland website at the following link.
