In South Sudan, over two million individuals have been displaced due to conflict and natural disasters. Ave Maria parish serves as a refuge for many of these families, providing essential educational and healthcare services. The St. Peter Health Centre operates amid severe challenges, including staff shortages and limited resources, yet it remains a critical healthcare facility in the region. Despite difficult circumstances, the community continues to make significant strides in providing hope and support to those affected by crisis.
In South Sudan, families often find themselves forced to flee their homes due to violence and natural disasters. This rapid displacement has affected over two million people in the region, compounding the challenges of starting anew after losing everything. Ave Maria parish, supported by the charity New Ways, provides a sanctuary for these displaced individuals, offering hope in a region marked by conflict and instability. Initially established as a refugee camp, the parish has evolved into a fully functioning community, where the church serves as a bastion of support for the war-torn and displaced populace. Fr. Avelino Bassols, a key figure in this effort, describes the ongoing challenges faced by the community. “We have passed once again some very stressful months. First, in April we had again insecurity in the area. One of the priests in the Deanery disappeared – by now he is assumed dead. This caused another wave of internally displaced people to Ave Maria.” He highlights a shortage of priests and support staff, which hampers their ability to offer assistance amid severe economic conditions. The value of the South Sudan Pound has drastically declined since independence in 2011, leading to increased poverty and economic despair. The Ave Maria community has established vital educational and vocational training facilities, including three nursery schools, two primary schools, one secondary school, and a vocational center that teaches carpentry, plumbing, mechanical skills, and sewing. Notably, there has been progress in gender representation within education, with the secondary school boasting a significant number of female students for the region. The St. Peter Health Centre, operational since 2019, serves as the only referral hospital in the area, providing essential medical services despite limited resources and a challenging supply chain. Staffed by a small team of health professionals from various countries, the center frequently handles home visits for the elderly and critically ill, despite lacking many basic facilities. An annual eye-health campaign, supported by Spanish ophthalmologists, significantly contributes to the community’s health needs, demonstrating the potential impact of international support in addressing local healthcare challenges. Despite adverse circumstances, Ave Maria’s initiatives, supported by organizations like New Ways, continue to foster resilience and hope amongst the displaced population, ensuring that vital educational and health services remain accessible, ultimately contributing to longer-term recovery and stability in South Sudan.
The ongoing conflict in South Sudan has resulted in mass displacement and dire humanitarian conditions, with many families uprooted from their homes due to violence perpetrated by militias or the impacts of natural disasters. Against this backdrop of chaos, support structures such as those offered by Ave Maria parish have become crucial in providing refuge and aid. The need for educational and healthcare resources is acute, as South Sudan ranks amongst the lowest globally in terms of development, leading to a critical situation in health care provision and educational access. The St. Peter Health Centre and the educational institutions established by the community represent vital lifelines for the people, amid a significantly under-resourced environment.
The plight of the displaced in South Sudan remains dire, yet the resilience of communities like those at Ave Maria parish demonstrates the power of solidarity and support in overcoming adversity. Through the provision of essential educational and healthcare services, these initiatives not only address immediate needs but also lay the groundwork for future stability and development. Efforts spearheaded by individuals such as Fr. Avelino Bassols, along with the backing of organizations like New Ways, showcase the ongoing need for international support to foster recovery and rebuild lives in this tumultuous region.
Original Source: www.indcatholicnews.com
