TRADITIONAL Sudanese food was served up and enjoyed by locals on Saturday 27 February, as Coff Harbour Council of Churches members gathered to raise much needed funds for the education of children in South Sudan.

Reverend Kassamiro Yanga spoke of the sad history of this young African nation since the departure of the British over 50 years ago.

Kassamiro said since that time there has been no true peace, especially in South Sudan where the situation now is desperate.

Education is only a dream for so many, as even Government primary education costs almost A$200 each year, and the annual average wage is less than A$1000 for unskilled workers.

Girls in South Sudan are especially vulnerable, with reports of girls with no business or income generating skills suffering terrible sexual abuse.

Many of the children we assist are orphans, or part of a family where the sole breadwinner has been killed.

Education is widely seen as the best solution for this war-torn nation in escaping this vicious cycle of poverty and injustice.

Six years ago Kassamiro Yanga, a South Sudanese refugee, approached Reverend Jan McLeod for help.

Jan and the small Coffs Harbour Council of Churches group agreed to fund the education of some of the most needy children in a mostly rural area south of Juba.

The group, with representatives from the Anglican, Uniting and Catholic Churches, through the generosity of many, have now been sending funds for the education of about twenty students each year.

Usually, local musicians have generously produced a fundraising “Salem” Concert mid-year, but COVID-19 restrictions meant that wasn’t possible last year.

This year, Kassamiro, a recently ordained deacon in St John’s Anglican church, with his wife Edina and friends, got creative with their fundraising.

They prepared a typical South Sudanese feast as a great opportunity for fundraising towards the ongoing education of these children.

Those able to attend were not only treated to fine food, but went away happy in the knowledge that a small number of South Sudanese children would again have the privilege of attending classes this year.

 

By Cass CROCKER