The work in South Sudan is run by our partners there and overseen by David Gasana at Comfort Rwanda. Following a visit to South Sudan over Christmas, David recently compiled this report, which gives an insight into the key achievements, challenges, and the progress made in our joint efforts to support children in what is the poorest country in the world according to many sources. We hope you can see that through the dedication of the team there and through your support, many lives have been changed, even beyond the individual children who have been helped.
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Introduction:
Comfort South Sudan is committed to improving the quality of life for sponsored children in South Sudan through various programs supported by Comfort International. The funding has enabled us to make meaningful progress in areas such as education, health, family reintegration, vocational training, and overall well-being. This report outlines the key achievements and impacts made in 2024.
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1. Family Reintegration:
In 2024, Comfort South Sudan successfully reunited 8 children into their extended families. These children received the necessary emotional and practical support for a smooth transition. Among them, 3 children are now fully reintegrated and supported by their families, receiving 100% financial support for their daily needs.
- Impact: Reintegration has restored stability for these children, allowing them to grow up in safe, supportive environments.
2. Educational Achievement:
Through the support provided by Comfort South Sudan, children were given access to vital school materials, tuition, and meals. As a result, 98% of the children have excelled academically, moving on to higher education levels.
- Notable Achievement: Jima Bol (right), the first sponsored boy to complete high school in our program, has overcome significant challenges. His father abandoned him and his mother, but Jima is now committed to volunteering at a local primary school during his gap year while he seeks to find a way to attend university. His mother is Abuba, a very poor woman who devotes her life to helping the project children and with whom four of the children who have no home live.
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3. Vocational Training:
Comfort South Sudan is preparing children for employment by offering various vocational training opportunities.
- Girls’ Empowerment: 3 girls are receiving hairdressing training on weekends and holidays. Queen Anon Monday, one of the girls, spoke of her gratitude for the support – before she was on the project she was beaten by her father who then left the family when her mother became ill. Her family was found in a dire situation of hunger and malnutrition.
- Skills Development: One boy is undergoing driving training to improve his employment prospects.
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4. Health and Medical Support:
In 2024, Comfort South Sudan addressed a range of medical challenges, including malaria, typhoid, ulcers, cholera, diarrhoea, skin infections, and dehydration. The children received necessary medical treatment, ensuring that their health was prioritised.
- Notable Testimonies:
- Nena: “This year, I suffered a lot from malaria and typhoid. Thanks to the support from the project, I was able to stay in the hospital for a few days and return home. Thank you to the team and my sponsor.” (Shown below left being treated at the hospital and below right feeling much better.)
- Deng: “I was suffering from dehydration, but I was full of hope because I had the project. I am now doing well and back with my family.”
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5. Food Security and Malnutrition:
Comfort South Sudan provided regular, nutritious meals to combat malnutrition and hunger. This initiative has been crucial in maintaining the children’s health.
- Impact: The children’s nutritional needs were met, which greatly supported their physical and mental development.
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6. Hygiene and Dignity:
Comfort South Sudan ensured that children received clothes and hygienic materials to maintain cleanliness and dignity. This support helped the children engage in social activities with confidence and self-esteem.
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7. Social Interaction and Mental Healing:
Various activities were organised to promote social interaction and mental healing. Children were encouraged to share their dreams and encourage one another, fostering a supportive community.
Impact: These activities helped children connect with each other, express their dreams, and support one another in their healing process.
8. Foster Care:
Comfort South Sudan created a foster care home for children with no family support. In 2024, 4 children were placed in foster care and received full support, including housing and basic needs. This initiative ensured that these children had a safe, nurturing environment to grow and thrive.
9. Team Visit from Scotland:
A special highlight of 2024 was the visit of a team from Scotland, who spent valuable time with the children and the project team. This visit helped strengthen relationships, foster a sense of dignity, and improve the overall support network for the children.
- Testimonial from Jack, Team Member: “It is always so special to have the groups around as it feels real spending time together and getting to learn more about each other.”
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10. Housing Support for Families:
Comfort South Sudan also provided housing support for five families facing financial struggles.
- Testimonial from Jenifer, Mother Supported: “I would be sleeping outside if it wasn’t for the project’s support. Thank you for giving me this chance to have a place to sleep with my children. May God bless you so much.”
11. Security and Safety Challenges:
South Sudan continues to face ongoing security challenges. In 2024, the country experienced incidents that impacted the safety of our children and staff. There was recently a shooting incident at the city centre, creating a tense atmosphere, and in one incidence on the way to the border, passenger buses were shot at and burned. The team also reported being frightened by non-official individuals carrying guns while looking for shoes to purchase for the children. These security concerns continue to affect the daily lives of children and staff, and we are continuously adapting to ensure safety and minimize risks.
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12. Continued Outreach to Vulnerable Children:
The need for support remains high, and Comfort South Sudan is committed to reaching more vulnerable children.
- New Encounter: Recently, we met a child named James (above right – not his real name) on the street. James shared that he had no place to stay and that his father had left. He told us that he had not eaten for almost two days and that he and his friends had resorted to the streets for food. However, James was too weak to continue searching for something to eat. Comfort South Sudan provided some temporary food and is committed to reaching out to children like James and providing them with the support they need for a better future but require more sponsors to enable this to happen.
Conclusion:
Comfort South Sudan has made significant strides in 2024, thanks to the generous support from Comfort International. Through education, health, vocational training, family reintegration, foster care, and housing support, we have worked tirelessly to improve the lives of the children in our care. While challenges remain, especially related to security, we remain committed to ensuring that these children have the support they need to thrive. We are deeply grateful to all our sponsors, partners, and supporters for making these achievements possible.