Surviving in South Sudan* is a struggle. Twelve years of internal conflict, compounded by a war in neighboring Sudan, has turned the entire region into a humanitarian crisis. Amid this turmoil, our Salesian missionaries remain on the front lines, caring for thousands of children and adults at the Gumbo Refugee Camp in Juba. To make matters worse, the threat of torrential downpours during the rainy season only adds to the hardship of their fragile living conditions.

Thankfully, emergency funding was secured which enabled immediate distribution of waterproof tarps to reinforce the temporary shelters for 750 vulnerable families living in the settlement.

The small makeshift huts, which residents call home, are precarious to begin with. When heavy rains saturate the ground beneath them and high winds sweep through, these shelters often collapse into soggy heaps of sticks, fabric and mud. Many affected by this common disaster lose all their belongings, and some get sick because there is nowhere to escape the damp, unsanitary conditions.

The heavy-duty tarps were a blessing this year. “It wasn’t just about delivering materials … it was about ensuring the dignity of these people and showing them that they are not alone,” said Fr. Leo Arokianathan, a Salesian missionary who headed the project. “This seemingly simple gesture has had a profound impact: more than 5,000 people, including 3,610 women, now sleep in decent tent-like structures, protected from harsh environmental conditions, and with a greater sense of security.”

“The tarp is more than just a roof. It’s the difference between a peaceful night’s sleep and a dreadful, agonizing night in the rain,” one displaced mother gratefully explained.

In a community overwhelmed with challenges, the emergency delivery of protective materials felt like a small miracle. It also served as a reminder of how our Salesian missionaries around the world – empowered by your kindness and generosity – are improving the safety, well-being and outlook for those in most need.

Learn more about our work in South Sudan.

Our mission is to bring relief to refugee families who face enormous challenges to their safety and well-being due to circumstances beyond their control. What’s your mission?

*Any goods, services, or funds provided by Salesian Missions to programs located in this country were administered in compliance with applicable laws and regulations, including sanctions administered by the U.S. Department of Treasury’s Office of Foreign Asset Control.