SSD 02 - GIVING HOPE THROUGH EDUCATION

Wau, located in the region of the Greater Bahr El Ghazal, South of the river Nile, was initially established as a zariba (fortified base) by slave traders in the 19th century. During the time of the Anglo Egyptian condominium rule, the city became an administrative centre.

Now it is the second biggest city in South Sudan after Juba, with a population that it is ethnically diverse. Most of the inhabitants are Fertit and Dinka, as the town lies on the tribal boundary between these two peoples. Furthermore, minorities belonging to the Luo, Jur, Modo, Beli, Balanda Boor, Balanda Bviri and Nuer peoples can be found in Wau.

Wau has repeatedly suffered from ethnic violence besides the extensive fighting in various occasions up to our days, due to various civil wars.

Education in Wau in South Sudan is highly valued but it is not free. School fees are paid by parents who can afford, and for those who cannot, their children miss the opportunity to go to school, exposing them to all kinds of child abuses such as; hard labour, early and forced marriages, high rate of juvenile crimes and some end up being street children.

Unfortunately, these children, if nobody comes to their assistance end up in the above-mentioned problems with severe malnutrition issues, prison arrests, and to the worst some even face pre- mature deaths.

The staff of our San Daniele Comboni hospital in Wau earning low salaries due to their low level of education, and the nature of their jobs (cleaners, security guards or nurses), find it difficult to sustain their families, and pay school fees.

The Comboni Missionary sisters living in Wau and working in St. Daniel Comboni hospital therefore, found it deemed and vital to support the education of such children to provide them with hope and happiness for a brighter future.

• To promote education.
• To help our hospital staff send their children to school

Direct: 35 Children of the Staff of Saint Daniel Comboni Catholic Hospital

Indirect: families and society

Referent sister of the project: Sr. Winifred Obbo