Giving Hope to Sudanese Refugees

Paul is a Sudanese refugee who currently lives with his family in the Ugandan Refugee Camp of Bidibidi.

Amid the recent wave of violence in Sudan, Paul and his family were forced to flee the city of Juba in South Sudan. They left with everything they could carry, but even their few possessions were eventually surrendered to the fighters.

This is the third time Paul has fled Sudan to seek refuge in Uganda. It was in Uganda that he was able to complete his education and become a teacher.

Today, he is retired and wants to stay in Uganda with his family, because he does not believe that lasting peace in South Sudan will come in his lifetime.

Life in the refugee camp can be difficult, so it is hard for Paul not to fear for the safety of his family as they face an uncertain future.

Paul is just one of thousands of Sudanese people in this situation. Amid this current conflict, it is estimated that an average of 2,500 people are crossing the Sudan border into Uganda each day in search of refuge, food, and shelter.

Many refugees arrive in Uganda already suffering from diarrhea or other illnesses. In the camp environment, sanitation issues such as a lack of latrines can pose serious health risks.

World Renew, with funding from Integral partner TEAR Australia, is responding by building latrines in the Ugandan Refugee Camp of Bidibidi.

When World Renew staff and partners recently visited the camp to inspect 180 of the newly built latrine units, they met with a group of 17 men who said they represented the refugees living in the area.

“Please thank the people behind the building of the latrines as they have helped us improve our conditions,” said Ben, one of these men.

Ben went on to explain how they wanted to keep the latrines clean and were waiting for a hygiene committee to return to them with tools and materials for cleaning. He also spoke of his concern for his family who he left behind in the city of Yei in South Sudan as all the roads were closed.

These men said they were ready to vote in a leadership group who could carry their concerns to the camp authorities, as well as determine how this group could begin to become self-reliant through livelihood development, including growing gardens and forming cooperatives.

They also explained their determination to leave the camp and return to South Sudan, where they would help their people escape the slaughter in the countryside. They have not given up hope for their country, and the gift of latrines has helped them experience the love of God and his people.

To help meet the needs of Sudanese refugees, click here.