SOUTH SUDAN: Salesian province in Ecuador raises funding to help youth in South Sudan attend school
SOUTH SUDAN
(MissionNewswire) The Salesian Province of the Sacred Heart of Jesus 2025 Missionary Campaign in Ecuador has raised funding to strengthen the Salesian mission in Maridi, South Sudan*. The funding has provided support to ensure educational access for youth who are poor in one of the most vulnerable regions on the African continent.
A Salesian explained, “The aid sent from Ecuador helps to support three schools run by the Salesians, institutions which operate without state funding or financial support from the local church. In the current academic year, the schools have exceeded 1,000 enrolled students, a figure that reflects growing confidence among families in the Salesian educational approach. In the previous year, enrollment had not even reached 800.”
The stability of school fees and arrangements made to help families cover the costs of their children’s education by paying with agricultural produce or livestock has allowed more youth to attend school. Furthermore, efforts have been made to improve teachers’ working conditions, including raising their salaries.
The most significant impact for students is seen in the lives of those who are now able to continue their studies thanks to scholarships funded.
One recipient is James, aged 14, who lost his parents in his early years and was raised by his grandmother. Despite financial difficulties, he has always stood out for his outstanding academic commitment.
He said, “Last year, I was only able to pay the school fees for one term. I covered the other terms by helping out with odd jobs at the mission so that I could carry on studying. This year, thanks to the donors’ generosity, I’ll be able to continue attending school.”
Thomas is another recipient. Until recently, he had never attended school. After being separated from his parents, he lived temporarily with various relatives and would go to the Salesian mission to tend the vegetable garden, in exchange for a meal. His situation led the Salesians in Maridi to set up a special class for youth like him who had never had access to formal education. The goal was to facilitate accelerated learning, so that these youth could be reintegrated into the mainstream system.
Today, Thomas is in his first year of primary school. Despite the challenges posed by his family circumstances and a lack of financial resources, he continues to attend lessons and work toward building a different future for himself.
In addition, the contributions received in South Sudan from the missionary campaign have enabled progress on the construction of a perimeter fence around one of the schools to enhance security.
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Sources:
Salesians of Ecuador Photo (usage permissions and guidelines must be requested from ANS)
Salesian Missions – South Sudan
*Any goods, services or funds provided by Salesian Missions to programs located in this country were administered in compliance with applicable laws and regulations, including sanctions administered by the U.S. Department of Treasury’s Office of Foreign Asset Control.