The teachers were able to reinforce their own education in different organizational areas, ranging from educational areas to practical ones, and yet what pleased them the most was the consideration and encouragement they received, which, considering the context, is not at all surprising.
In Khartoum, where the Canossian Sisters have been working since 1998, there are 58 teachers (almost all Muslims) that take care of approximately 1,500 children, assisting them from their last year of nursery school to their first year of middle school. Today, the Capital of Sudan, the largest country in all of Africa, is much more peaceful than it was in 2002 when conflict between the North (mostly Arabs) and the South (mostly Africans) had raged for decades. After peace agreements were made between the Sudanese government and the Sudan People's Liberation Army (the main rebel group in Southern Sudan), much tension has been relieved and, most of all, the infrastructures in urban centers are subject to important renovations. Yet it only takes one look just outside the cities to realize how serious the humanitarian crisis caused by the conflicts really is, which has not only involved Darfur, the Western region of Sudan that has recently made international headlines. In fact, it is estimated that around 17 million people still lack drinking water and that more than 20 million lack hygienic disposal services for organic waste. Malaria, diarrhea and acute respiratory infections are a continuous cause of death for more than 100,000 children under the age of five. Women and children obviously represent the largest part of the population at risk, especially in the refugee camps where more than 4 million displaced persons sought shelter.
With such an emergency situation at hand, education is one of the sectors undergoing the most problems. In fact, the scholastic structures that with the most success are those managed by religious orders or by NGOs given that the public sector is afflicted with serious problems. Teachers are either poorly paid or go without salary for months on end, infrastructures are lacking and, consequently, schools are open intermittently. “For example, in Jebarona, the refugee camp outside Khartoum where 600,000 displaced persons live”, says the Provincial, “most of the people live from day to day in precarious houses made of mud and juta and have no means to ensure a proper education for their children”. One of the courses promoted by Harambee was held in Jebarona for the teachers of about 100 children in order to teach basic reading and writing skills. “Conflicts and problems involving religious beliefs remain outside our classrooms”, she adds. “Actually, the only dialogue that takes place with Muslims takes place through our schools, which represent a place where human values can be transmitted”, the Provincial stresses.
The situation in El Obeid, 700 km from the capital of Sudan, is not much different. The Canossians arrived here in 2000 and have since assisted in educating about 800 children. “The young people dream of leaving the country in hopes of finding a better life somewhere else”, says the Provincial. “We encourage them, through their studies and through the promotion of human dignity, to grow and become, as we say, ‘agents of change’. They must be the ones to bring about change, to work at building a better country. This is why the training courses for teachers are so important,” she adds. “Not only to enhance their skills, but also to learn how to motivate. We focus on the development of the whole person, beginning with taking care of the environment that surrounds them and insist on the importance of doing one’s work well. And this effort is truly pays off”.
Sister Giovanna, who we met with in Rome during her brief stay, is on her way back to Sudan. We asked her what she thinks will happen in the upcoming year, when the referendum that will decide the independence of Southern Sudan and the Canossian Order will take place. She shrugged in obvious resignation and said, “Omar al-Bashir has been re-confirmed as president in the recent elections, he’s been in office for more than twenty years. What can I say, we’ll see what happens. Meanwhile, we’re focusing on the young people, teaching them respect and tolerance”.
In 2010, Harambee is supporting the following project: “Improving Scholastic Training in Khartoum-Jabarona and El Obeid”, promoted by the Canossian Foundation in Sudan.