Jesuit Entity in South Sudanese State Lauded for “really great” Education Initiatives

Logo Jesuits Refugee Service (JRS). Credit: JRS

Authorities in South Sudan’s Western Equatoria State have lauded the Jesuits Refugee Service (JRS), an international refugee entity of the Society of Jesus (Jesuits), for its “really great” initiatives in the field of formal education. 

Speaking on Wednesday, September 28, during the official handover of semi-permanent classrooms to the government, the Commissioner of South Sudan’s Ezo County, Abel Sudan, acknowledged with appreciation the initiative by JRS in improving the education of children in the State. 

“I want to congratulate JRS for their great support towards the people of Ezo County and Western Equatoria State. What they are doing is really great,” Mr. Sudan said, adding that the Jesuit entity has contributed to improved education services to our people, especially the children in Ezo County.”

He added, “Education is something that we need to invest in because it will provide the people of the County with great knowledge and skills to change the people's lives.”

“What JRS is doing to the community of Ezo shall not be forgotten in the County,” Mr. Sudan further said, and added, “I am encouraging the other partners to learn from JRS how they are working to help the community in need.”

The South Sudanese Commissioner appealed to JRS leadership in Ezo County to consider extending the services of the Jesuit entity “for more than 20 years.”

“I promise to give JRS the letter of appreciation and certificate for their wonderful work in the County,” Mr. Sudan said, and adding that the appreciation letter would be delivered to JRS Country Director in South Sudan “to know that the JRS organization is working well with the people of Ezo County.”

He called upon the inhabitants of the South Sudanese County “to take proper care of these schools” for the good of their children. 

Also speaking at the September 28 event, the Paramount chief of Ezo County, Anthony Ture, appealed that the Jesuit entity continues serving in the locality “forever”. 

“I am praying that JRS remains here forever because what they are doing to my people here in the county is really great,” Mr. Ture said.

He added, “We need JRS to talk to other partners to come and help our children and community in other activities like hospitals, and build more schools in all the Payams not only in Ezo County because we need development in our peaceful County (of) Ezo.”

On his part, the Education Coordinator of JRS, Tatu James welcomed the messages of appreciation toward the services of the Jesuit entity among the people of God in the South Sudanese County. 

“I am very grateful the authorities welcome JRS and other partners to come and help the community. This is because they are working in the County to protect the people and keep security and development in Ezo County like what we have done today,” Mr. Taku said during the September 28 event.

In Western Equatoria State, JRS provides scholarships for secondary school girls and toward the training of teachers besides sanitary kits for girls in school.

The Jesuit entity also fosters peacebuilding and reconciliation initiatives through workshops in communities and learning institutions.