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School building in Southern SudanThe Cathedral has pledged to give part of its fund raising to help the Diocese of Yei, building a new Primary School at Mongo in Sudan. The Select Vestry at its November meeting agreed to increase to 15% the amount going to Mongo Primary School from the Flower Festival. Dr Trevor Buchanan’s report from a recent visit will give you an insight into the difference a new school make to the lives of the people in Southern Sudan: ‘In the past school children in Southern Sudan have gathered in the open air and under a mango tree for class but studies were frequently interrupted by heavy rain when pupils would be dismissed to their homes to prevent ill health. Huts with grass roofs were an improvement, but these required regular maintenance and frequently leaked. Schools now have tin roofs and the newly completed three classroom block in the Parish of Payawa in the Archdeaconry of Longamere, Diocese of Yei, Southern Sudan, has been built with bricks purchased with funds donated by Church of Ireland Parishes in Dublin and Wicklow. 289 children aged 6-12 years of age are now proud to attend a modern school free of interruptions and each has the opportunity to better themselves educationally and work to obtain jobs that will sustain them and their families and allow them to contribute positively in their local communities. Haddow Primary School in Maridi with 752 pupils has the highest pass rate in all examinations compared with all other primary schools in the county and second highest in Southern Sudan and increasing numbers of children remain in education and attend secondary school, leaving at 18 years. Absence from school – once commonplace, particularly among girls who stayed at home to help with household duties – is improving and only two pupils out of a P1 class of 125 were absent on the day of our visit. The Bishop Alison Theological College in Arua has produced 100 pastors, teachers and community workers over the past five years. Most graduates have remained in Southern Sudan to improve educational standards throughout the region. Thank you to all who gave so generously to our fund raising which will assist Mongo Primary School. The Rev McMillan also gave £5 from the sale of each copy of his book to Mongo and we are very grateful for his generosity towards this mission project’. |
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