Just a few days ago, the streets of the Tonj mission in South Sudan overflowed with pride, joy, and hope. Freedom Square hosted vibrant celebrations marking the 15th anniversary of the country’s independence. Under the motto “15 Years Free, Our Duty Continues,” local schools, the military, and the general public came together to commemorate their nation’s independence.

Among the most prominent participants were students from the Don Bosco Secondary School in Tonj, proudly representing a young generation ready to build a better future for their homeland. For many years, this school has been included in and supported by the Slovak fundraising program “Adopcia tried v Južnom Sudáne“ (Classroom Sponsorship in South Sudan).

However, while July 9, 2011, brought South Sudan its hard-won independence, for most of the population, this anniversary is not just a time for carefree celebration—it is a stark wake-up call. The long-awaited peace has not yet become a reality. The country continues to face ongoing violence, internal conflicts, extreme food insecurity, devastating floods, and a critical lack of basic services. These crises have forced millions of people from their homes, leaving them to seek refuge as internally displaced persons or refugees.

SALESIAN MISSIONS IN SOUTH SUDAN: COMBINING IMMEDIATE RELIEF WITH DEVELOPMENT

In this challenging reality, Salesians are walking alongside displaced and vulnerable communities directly on the ground. Their presence in the country bridges immediate humanitarian aid with long-term development.

“We operate in South Sudan in both the humanitarian and development sectors. Our goal is to alleviate acute suffering while simultaneously giving people the tools to stand on their own feet and reduce their dependence on external aid.”

Salesian missionaries work tirelessly across several locations within the country, as well as across its borders:

Don Bosco Gumbo (Juba)

For years, the Salesians have been providing shelter to people fleeing conflict at the local internally displaced persons (IDP) camp. Aid is primarily directed toward widows, single mothers, orphans, and the elderly. Recently, they completed an emergency intervention distributing food and waterproof tarpaulins to families to protect their tents from heavy rains.

Tonj and Maridi (Agriculture and Women’s Empowerment)

In the Tonj region, missionaries work with poor rural communities to improve nutrition through sustainable agriculture. These projects also include raising awareness about Hansen’s disease (leprosy). In both Tonj and Maridi, the Salesians focus on vocational training for young women (offering courses in cooking, food preservation, and sewing), thereby fostering their economic independence.

Kuajok (Inclusive Education and Scholarships)

In partnership with the organization BOSCOAID, Salesians are building a quality educational system here. They have also launched a scholarship program supporting up to 1,000 students across ten of the poorest Salesian schools in the country. For these children, returning to school means reclaiming a sense of safety, routine, and hope for the future.

Palabek Refugee Settlement (Uganda)

The crisis extends beyond South Sudan’s borders. This settlement is home to nearly 100,000 refugees, and Salesians live directly alongside them. Missionary Ubaldino Andrade reminds us that war destroys far more than just infrastructure:

“War is a destructive experience. It does not only destroy houses; it destroys human hearts. You leave everything behind, and everything vanishes overnight.”

HOW SLOVAKIA HELPS: HOW CLASSROOM SPONSORSHIP WORKS

Education in Africa is the most powerful weapon against poverty and war. When we help children attend school, we are investing directly in peace.

Since 2016, the Classroom Sponsorship in South Sudan program, managed by the Slovak civic association SAVIO, has connected generous Slovak donors with specific classrooms in Tonj and other missions. Thanks to this stable and targeted support, SAVIO is able to provide salaries for local teachers, school supplies, and at least one warm meal a day for hundreds of children. Instead of facing life on the street or child labor, these children can develop their potential in a safe school environment.

This development program allows donors from Slovakia to “adopt” a specific classroom in South Sudan. The funds raised are sent directly to individual Salesian schools in the country and are used to provide:

• School supplies and textbooks for children who would otherwise have no access to education,
• Fair salaries for teachers, ensuring the schools can operate reliably and sustainably,
• A warm daily meal (often the only nutritious meal these children receive all day),
• A safe environment where students can develop their talents and life skills.

HOW YOU CAN GET INVOLVED

Anyone can join the Classroom Sponsorship program in South Sudan—whether as an individual, a family, a community, a business, or a school class in Slovakia. A monthly contribution of €35, €50, or €100 helps Salesians in this developing nation provide life-changing education to children and youth. To learn more about the program and find out how to get involved, visit: CLASS ADOPTION PROGRAM