St Ignatius day in Renk
By Nicodemus Mutunga, SJ
On July 31st, we observed Ignatian Day, a significant occasion marking both the solemn feast of the Society of Jesus and the 468th anniversary of St. Ignatius’s entrance into eternal life. In Renk, the day began with a Holy Eucharist celebration at Christ the King Parish. In the evening, a small gathering was held at the parish rectory, attended by the parish priest, JRS staff, Comboni sisters, altar servers, and representatives from various humanitarian agencies. During this gathering, I shared a brief history of St. Ignatius and the Jesuits, it was the first time for some to hear of St Ignatius or Jesuits. One of the Comboni sisters was particularly enthusiastic, recalling her formation and the Jesuit influence on the Comboni through the Ignatian Spiritual Exercises, as well as the Jesuits’ significant role in education and spirituality. She shared a very warm encounter with Jesuits and their apostolates in Egypt.
The multiplication miracles of Maban
In last Sunday’s Gospel, Jesus performed the miracle of multiplying five loaves and two fish to feed a crowd, with leftovers to spare. This event was particularly meaningful for the Dagaji outstation, where Abuna Meela demonstrated a practical “miracle” by planting sorghum with the congregation. He encouraged them to take full advantage of the rains for planting, reinforcing the importance of agricultural self-sufficiency. The main challenge for the families is getting the seeds to plant hence, they end have having nothing to feed on after the rain season.
The Educational Crisis for Refugee Children in South Sudan: Challenges and Opportunities Amidst Conflict
The impact of war extends far beyond the battlefield, reaching neighbouring countries that become sanctuaries for those fleeing conflict. Among the most vulnerable are children, who rely heavily on adults for support and guidance. The ongoing war in Sudan has been particularly devastating for children and youth, especially concerning their education. Education is universally acknowledged as the key to a bright future, yet for countless Sudanese children, the future remains uncertain as the war continues with no end in sight.
The situation is similarly dire for children and young people who have sought refuge in Renk, South Sudan. Many of these young refugees have been in transit centers for over a year, and the prospect of attending school seems increasingly remote. As of July, a recent headcount revealed that there are currently 2,987 male and 3,094 female refugees and returnees’ children below 17 years in the transit centers and surrounding areas. This population includes both those displaced by the war and those returning to their homeland.
Renk itself faces significant challenges in its education system. The county lacks tertiary institutions, leaving many refugees and returnees and host community without the opportunity to continue their studies. Schools in Renk struggle with inadequate facilities, including a shortage of desks, poor classroom conditions, and insufficient WASH facilities. The shortage of skilled teachers exacerbates the situation, with many teachers receiving only minimal incentives from NGOs, which fall far short of covering their needs given the high cost of living.
JRS supports schools in this area by paying incentive teachers in three schools. However, these schools are in poor condition, a situation worsened by the current rainy season, which leaves students without adequate places to sit during lessons. This week, we visited some of the schools we support to assess their critical needs and determine how best to address them especially trough well-wishers.
