Rebuilding Hope in South Sudan - Update
Dear friends,
While the debate about the long-term educational benefits of a “Headstart” program is ongoing in this country, the Presbyterian Church in South Sudan (PCOSS) recognizes the inestimable value to parents and children of a program of creativity and structure and training for their young children, not only in the ABCs but “in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.” “The children are our future,” they say.
They asked for support from The Outreach Foundation to help establish preschools and adult literacy programs in their far-flung congregations in the refugee camps. John Jock Gatwech was named Education Coordinator. He lives in Gambella, Ethiopia, and faithfully travels by bus or bicycle to the six camps under his jurisdiction. With the support of Outreach through the “Rebuilding Hope in South Sudan” partnership, the PCOSS has helped to establish preschools and adult learning schools in the camps.
John Jock sent the following update:
There are now 59 schools in the six camps of Gambella under the parishes of PCOSS – 20 preschools and 39 schools for adults. With our prayers and our love for children, the education ministries in the camps are moving forward. Your support and help are needed and highly appreciated. We are hoping that God will increase your hands to support these schools.
John Jock was able to organize teacher training sessions in two of the camps. The teachers are volunteers, so they benefit greatly from the encouragement, ideas, and fellowship shared in their gathering together. John Jock reports the following:
We had a good time with volunteer teachers in Dhorkotni Church on February 12, 2022. They expressed their gratitude to The Outreach Foundation and South Sudanese Presbyterian Americans for their love, encouragement, and support for the education programs in the camps. May God continue to bless this useful program and all those who support our children.
In announcing his philanthropic venture into early childhood education, Jeff Bezos said, “Education is not the filling of a pail, but the lighting of a fire. And lighting that fire early is a huge leg-up for any child.” Won’t you help to “light a fire early” in the life of a South Sudanese child and rebuild hope in their future and in the future of their church, community, and country? Thank you!
Sincerely,
Frank Dimmock
Africa Partnership Liaison
Read more about Rebuilding Hope in South Sudan HERE.
THE OPPORTUNITY
The Outreach Foundation is seeking gifts to support the mission and ministry of Rebuilding Hope in South Sudan. All gifts of any size are welcomed to help address the needs requested by the Presbyterian Church of South Sudan including trauma healing training, early childhood education, Bibles, and emergency relief. You may make a gift HERE or by sending a check to our office.