Sudan - Supporting the Construction of a Primary School
Whilst working with southern Sudanese refugees displaced in Uganda
in 1997, the Jesuits realised that with the future prospect of peace
across the border,their support would be needed when the time came
for reconstruction and recovery in Sudan.
Access to education is a major challenge faced by the people of
southern Sudan.
In many places, learning takes place under trees or grass-thatched
shelters with no walls.
The quality of education often suffers as a
result of these inadequate facilities.
In 2009, funding from Misean Cara helped the Jesuit Refugee Service
(JRS) embark on a project to provide permanent buildings for two
primary schools located in Magwi County.
School management committees and local education authorities had
requested their assistance in the delivery of these construction
projects, which were carried out to the specifications required by
the Government of Southern Sudan’s Ministry of Education.
Once completed, the two new structures will consist of classrooms,
male and female latrines and rainwater harvesting systems.
The facilities will also be wheelchair accessible. Increasing school enrolment and retention amongst females, as well as increasing the number of women teachers who act as role models for their female pupils, are some of the JRS’s key priorities.
Elsewhere in North Darfur, the Jesuits
received funding from Misean Cara to hold adult literacy and
life-skills training classes for women. Increasing school enrolment
and retention amongst females, as well as increasing the number of
women teachers who act as role models for their female pupils, are
some of the JRC’s key priorities.