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Two
Small miracles
have been privileged to witness a number of small miracles in the past couple of years – where I have seen the “sun rise”.
History was made on August 3, 2007 when the first group of students, 8 females and 13 males, participated in the first ever primary graduation ceremony in the “chapel” at St John’s Primary School, Kharga. These students, aged between 17 and 23, overcame great difficulties to achieve this milestone. They began their primary education in 1999 despite being nearest the border where the SPLA and the Khartoum army fought many battles. The first classroom was under the trees and students sat on the flattest rocks they could find. Their “teachers” were a couple of local catechists, whose English was better than most, because they had been to school for a few years before the war started in the 1980s. They had no textbooks and no teaching resources.
The Kharga Christian community is an inspiring and faith-filled group who openly support each other. At the graduation, the community publicly acknowledged the special efforts of Zachariah Noah, the Head Teacher from 1995 to 2006. I will never forget my first meeting with Zachariah. As the new Diocesan Education
Coordinator I wanted to meet all the staff and see all the schools. His first statement to me was: “Sister, if you are going to be like the other three
Coordinators we have had then we don’t want you!” I was very tearful and humbled at the graduation when Zachariah thanked me for the support and help I had given to the school community for the previous two years. It meant so much.
A new Secondary School and Hostel for girls
I have met many generous, hard-working and inspiring people in Sudan. The ones who stand out are those who are part of Sorriso Per Il Sudan, an Italian NGO. In the last six months they have built a new secondary school in Gidel. To see it nestled at the foot of the mountains of Gidel is an incredible miracle! It is a dream come true for me and the 200 or so students who will be studying there from January 2008.
Through Mercy Works Inc. and many generous Australian donors, I have been able to oversee the building of a 30-bed girl’s hostel on the site of the new secondary school. Without the possibility of boarding, more than 65 per cent of the girls would not be able to continue with their secondary education.
Their “teachers” were a couple of local catechists, whose English was better than most, because they had been to school for a few years before the war started in the 1980s. They had no textbooks and no teaching resources
In 2007, we had an enrolment of 26 girls (in S1 and S2) and in 2008, we expect another 16 to 20 girls. The hostel is already too small but I know the young women will squeeze two or three to a bed because they are keen to go as far as possible with their education. These young women have shown great courage in resisting the strong cultural pressure to marry and produce children by the age of 14 or 15. I believe they will go on to contribute in valuable ways as future leaders, teachers, nurses and doctors. Such investment in “people development” is the most effective way of helping to rebuild communities after long wars and disasters have destroyed so much.
Other miracles I have witnessed are seeing the first group of 12 girls enroll for secondary education in January 2006; celebrating graduation ceremonies at three different primary schools for those successfully completing their education for the first time since the war ended; working with new teachers who genuinely care for their students; delighting in the pre-unit children who now love coming to school because they are not just learning by rote; being welcomed into the community of the Comboni Sisters; knowing Mercy sisters and staff and students and associates and family and friends – and their interest and concern and generosity and personal support.
For over 20 years, the Nuba Mountains and her peoples were caught in the middle of the conflict between the north and south. Now, during the interim peace agreement, the Nuba Mountains still suffers because it is forgotten, or better, ignored, by both sides. NGOs are operating to provide services in the south and the Khartoum Government looks after its own in the north, but many NGOs and humanitarian
organizations are unwilling to assist in the post-war development of the Nuba Mountains. The Diocese of El Obeid and a few small
organizations are the exception. Unfortunately, it is usually only war or a big disaster that captures the world’s attention and compassion for those who are needy and suffering.
However, despite the great needs which will take years to redress, the following prayer speaks of the situation and people in the
Nuba:
Creator of all, look down on your people in their moments of need,
for you alone are the source of our peace.
Bring us the dignity which distinguishes the poor in spirit
and show us how great is the call to serve,
that we may share in the peace of Christ
who offered his life in the service of all.
Yes, I have worked with a broken heart in Sudan. I am glad that it has been broken open in many different ways. I have often been angry and frustrated but I know this will not remain in my memory. I have received much love and acceptance from others, and hope I have been able to give love in return. In the end that is all that really matters in life, isn’t it?
(From www.mercy.org.au)