Sudan Council of Churches / Juba

Wendy and I met with the staff leaders for various program mentioned in the previous pst. We heard what they’re doing and some of the challenges they’re facing. It’s not easy in a country that’s been at war for decades, just went through an independence referendum, and is in the process of building and rebuilding. Despite he existence of a ‘Comprehensive Peace Agreement,’ there is still a lot of conflict and insecurity, both socially and politically.

Disadvantaged children receive education assistance through the Sudan Council of Churches’ Basic Education Project each year. Although education is theoretically universal, each child is required to provide his / her own uniform, texts, and supplies, and pay fees; costs that quickly become major obstacles if money is tight. Children in difficulty – for whatever reason – can apply for school assistance to the SCC through their local parish or congregation. Although about 800 children get assistance each year, Edward Laku Waiwai, the lead staff for the program, notes that ‘many, many more children could be helped if funds were available.’

The Women and Youth projects also focus on education, but with a different slant. In a context where women and youth often have no voice or are devalued, SCC staff like Gunda Steigen help them find their voice, starting with their own congregations and working outward into the community. Leading up to the elections and 2011 referendum on independence, SCC provided information and discussion forums to help women and youth understand these landmark events. Other work focuses on coaching women on managing and owning their own businesses, and issues of sexual security.

HIV-AIDS is epidemic throughout much of Africa. People living with AIDS still face a lot of stigma and discrimination in housing, employment, and socially. Nelson King, at SCC, has been working on the HIV-AIDS portfolio for more than 15 years, and has seen a number of churches repent and find ways to help PWAs live better lives. “Teaching pastors about the sin of discrimination and stigma, and getting them to commit to preach about it from the pulpit was a big step to treating people living with AIDS with dignity,” noted King. Other programs include counseling, arranging testing, and facilitating support groups.

Talking with Edward, Gunda, and Nelson is helpful, and I get a real sense of their commitment to the work. Yet, at this point the work still sounds like policy and administration. I’m really interested in meeting directly with the beneficiaries of the programs – the people and communities that are on the receiving end of the initiatives that the UCC supports through agencies like SCC. While it’s not the whole story, for me it is where the rubber hits the road: how are we transforming lives and communities. Justice and Peace is the fourth pillar of SCC’s programs, and Gladys Mananyu, who met us at the airport, manages that program. Tomorrow Gladys is taking us to visit some projects at the ‘grassroots level’ (cliché alert!), in Nimule, near the Uganda border.

I’m writing this in the roof-top restaurant, where Wendy and I have quaffed a few, chowed down on some excellent sizzling beef and stir-fried veggies, and have discussed everything from church politics to movies. Just after she headed to her shipping container, the sky opened up and we’re in the middle of a torrential rain and deafening thunderstorm. Fortunately there’s a roof-head , but even so, the wind is blowing the rain throughout the restaurant. I'd better wrap this up (both the post and the computer) and make my way to my container as well.