The Child Support Project in South Sudan was set up to support children and their families in dire circumstances in and around the capital city, Juba. The aim of the project is not only to improve their current situation and quality of life but also to create sustainable change, building a hope for the future and a means to make a way out of poverty, rebuild family ties, and create opportunities for growth and development. The project aims, through the tireless work of our partners, to do this through the following ways:
- Health and nutrition support
- Education support
- Economic development support
- Social and emotional development
- Foster care support (for homeless)
- Emergency response support
The situation in South Sudan continues to be very difficult. Due to a lack of infrastructure, a great number of people have no access to fresh water or electricity. Children and adults frequent roadsides begging for help, and the hungry and malnourished struggle to stay alive. The cost of food and education is being sharply driven up, which puts a huge strain on project resources. 1kg of beans in South Sudan costs 1.5x more than in Rwanda, which is itself struggling to deal with the rise in prices.
However, a little really can change a life! Eleven children from the project are now being fully supported, either following reintegration with their families or foster carers, or by starting up their own business and becoming entirely self sufficient. This is a testimony to the sustainability of the project and the long term effects of sponsorship and support. These children are now officially graduating from the project and other children can be supported in their place.
Many have been wondering about the effects of the awful situation ongoing in Sudan at the moment. With the two countries operating as separate independent countries now, there is not a direct connection and South Sudan is not involved in the conflict. However, the conflict is exerting more pressure on the team and children in South Sudan. Numerous refugees are fleeing the violence in Sudan and coming into South Sudan, which is putting pressure on infrastructure and resources. Many of those accused of being rebels and being punished for this are South Sudanese, who make an easy target. For an already fragile country and for people already on the margins of survival, the pressure is one more challenge they face to survive. So do please pray for the people, the team and the project and for peace in Sudan.
