A Girl’s School…

My friend Majok was quite determined. I had already told him I didn’t think there was time in my busy schedule to visit his village in Aweil East… but he persisted and in the end I gave in. I rescheduled some arrangements and was assured we would be home in time for an important appointment at 4 PM.

We left later than planned (which is normal), had some extra errands on the way (which is also normal), and then found the road was flooded which required a lengthy detour and then when our car couldn’t take us any further we got out to walk for the last hour. About this time I was realizing I had little chance of making my afternoon meeting.

The community leaders and what looked like half the village were waiting for us under the tree that served as the village council rooms. As the speeches rolled on I gave up any hope of being home on time. Finally two young women spoke. They told me how their school had collapsed and been closed. The boys are able to attend school in a nearby village, but the girls and younger children are required to stay at home and so currently have no access to education. Majok had already told me how they had made bricks that could be used for a school, but lack of funding had put an end to the project. I was assured they had everything they needed for a functional school – if we could provide assistance with iron and cement.

After the speeches concluded we walked to see the bricks that had been made. I was impressed. There were thousands of bricks, made by hand, dried and then baked before being carefully arranged in five huge stacks, ready to be put to use. Afterwards we passed what was left of the old school – just a few remaining bricks scattered on the ground. Majok pointed out where the four classrooms once stood and what was left of the school office.

We were offered chicken and rice, but I explained we didn’t have time to stop and eat. I hoped our driver was still waiting for us. I told Majok I had time to quickly visit his home and meet his wife and children before the journey home. Then it rained. Heavily! Majok suggested we stay the night and find our way home the next day, but I was adamant. I had more meetings arranged in the morning I couldn’t afford to miss. People laughed at us as we slipped along the greasy tracks in the pouring rain and when we borrowed a couple of bikes they were surprised that a white man could ride. Finally it got too dark to see and we completed the journey on foot once again, and to my relief (and surprise) found our driver was there waiting for us. After a long drive home on flooded tracks and rough roads we arrived home in Aweil a bit before mid-night.

(Since leaving Sudan I have received a budget for the project and have had conversations with potential sponsors).

Tension...

It is now less than three months before the scheduled referendum when South Sudanese will vote on independence from the North. Leaders from both sides espouse a commitment to negotiate peacefully… but there is tension in the air.

A friend has asked that we pray for him and others who work in the area of peace and reconciliation, and especially that peace and stability can be maintained.