Salesians rely on donor support to address food insecurity at camp.

NEW ROCHELLE, NY (May 28, 2025) More than 1,800 people in a Salesian camp for people who are internally displaced, located in Gumbo, on the outskirts of the city of Juba, South Sudan*, had access to better nutrition during the second half of 2024. The food shipment was the result of a partnership between Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco, and Rise Against Hunger, an international humanitarian organization growing a global movement to end hunger.

People in the camp face challenges, including the rising price of commodities and the weakening of the local currency. Food insecurity is a major challenge. Thanks to the meals, Salesians have seen reduced hunger, improved nutrition and enhanced food security.

Salesians have tried to address food challenges by offering small plots of land, encouraging people who are displaced and the local community to cultivate crops to supplement the meal rations that are offered. However, this can only happen during the rainy season and not everyone can receive a plot. Therefore, Salesians heavily rely on partner support to address the food insecurity.

Selwa Atoo Ukech was one of the recipients. She is a 57-year-old South Sudanese woman who was living with her family when the civil war broke out in 2014. During the war, she lost family members and, with her children, sought refuge with the Salesians in Gumbo.

Ukech explained that the Rise Against Hunger meals brought relief and created a sense of joy and food security for her family and the camp community. She said, “The meals provide energy for us to complete our daily duties, help our bodies to rebuild and repair, and provide overall well-being both mentally and physically. Most importantly, it has provided a sense of food security for us.”

Salesian missionaries in South Sudan are dedicated to providing programs and services across the country. Salesian missionaries provide education, social development services, nutrition programs, and health clinics for poor youth and their families. For some, the education offered at Salesian schools is the only opportunity to gain an education and the skills necessary for future employment.

South Sudan gained its independence from Sudan in 2011 but has faced an ongoing civil war that started in December 2013 and continues today. This has resulted in a dire humanitarian crisis. According to the United States Institute of Peace, more than 10 million people have been forced

from their homes. The war has also triggered the world’s worst hunger crisis with more than 18 million Sudanese living in acute food insecurity.

*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.

### Contact: media@salesianmissions.org