A Toolbox and a Dream
Photo by CRS staff
KHARTOUM, Sudan — It was a rare occasion, full of joy and hope for the future, when over 200 young men, all of them displaced from southern Sudan, gathered with hundreds of family, friends, teachers and fellow students to celebrate their graduation from St. Joseph's school — part of the CRS-sponsored Homeward Bound project.
Entire families made the hour-long trip from their homes — in camps for people displaced by violence — so they could share in their graduates' joy. After a morning of dramas, music, food and speeches, it was time to announce the graduates. On hearing the name of their graduate, loved ones sprinted toward the stage, dancing, cheering and covering their son, brother or friend with hugs and kisses.
Most of the boys in the CRS program couldn't afford to continue their schooling.
The majority had dropped out to help support their families, attending school only when there was extra money. They are grateful to continue their education at St. Joseph's and to be trained in plumbing, masonry, electricity or carpentry. Construction skills are crucial to rebuilding South Sudan after years of war. When asked what motivates him to return to the war-torn south, one student said, "Janoob [the South] is my idea of the future."
Helping to Rebuild Sudan
War and famine in Sudan have displaced over 6 million people. While the humanitarian crisis in Darfur remains fixed in the international spotlight, the daily struggles of the vast majority of Sudan's internally displaced goes unnoticed.
CRS has been working alongside the Sudanese to help rebuild their country. In addition to sponsoring technical training, CRS gives each Homeward Bound graduate a toolbox and pays for transportation for those interested in returning to South Sudan upon completion of their studies.
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