Posts Tagged ‘Education’
Get to Know Our Staff: South Sudan, Women Who Are Making It Happen
In the flood basin of the Nile River in South Sudan lies Unity State — a region of overflowing waterways, more and more due to the impact of climate change. Traditionally, most people who live here are from one of two ethnic groups, the Nuer or Dinka people, and live as pastoralists — they farm, fish and raise herds of cattle.
And yet, post-independence grievances, spurred by decades of northern Sudan-dominated rule that pit ethnic groups against each other, has resulted in violent conflict in Unity State. This conflict has inflicted terrible humanitarian atrocities and internally displaced at least 2 million people, further weakening an already fragile ‘world’s youngest nation’.
It is in this setting Anek Sendrella and Muraa Rose — World Relief staff — live and work, bringing lasting change to women and girls amidst the challenges of violence, displacement and poverty. Today, as part of our Get to Know Our Staff series, Anek and Rose share about how they’re challenging the issues their communities face and fighting for lasting change. These women are making it happen, lean in.
Anek Sendrella Lupu
What is your role at World Relief?
Anek: I am an Education Project Officer and provide mentorship in primary and secondary schools.
Can you share a little about your work — what you enjoy and what you find challenging?
Anek: In both primary and secondary schools, I encourage girls to learn and stay in school while also reaching out to vulnerable girls and women in the community to help them find a way to receive education.
Not only is this work difficult due to conflict, which prohibits schools from meeting, but also because of harmful social and gender norms that devalue education for girls, keeping them home to do housework and other duties, while their male counterparts study and go to school. Challenging these norms is difficult, but I want girls to know their value and change norms around education.
How do you see your work helping to improve the lives of women in your community?
Anek: Since we began our work here over three years ago, women in the community have worked alongside schools to build holistic and sustainable learning environments. We have built school gardens with varieties of vegetable crops like okra and sukuma (collard greens) where children can learn about farming and the crops themselves. Those vegetables then are sold, and the money helps pay teachers, which grows the teaching staff.
When looking at education for girls, we must first look at the harmful social and gender norms — child marriage, early pregnancies, forced domestic work and violence — that force girls to drop out of school or never enroll in the first place. Mentoring and focus groups have been crucial because when this is talked about, we begin to challenge these norms and change can happen.
What changes in the future do you hope to see in your community?
Anek: When a girl has a mentor, they have a person to share their hopes and fears with. This can help give her a sense of direction, to help give focus toward that direction and possible steps she can take to get there. Not only does this help in her career path, but other aspects of her future as well. When a girl has someone who believes in her and encourages her to achieve their goals, it can boost their confidence immensely.
If you have a daughter, what are your biggest dreams for her?
Anek: My biggest dreams for my daughter are in these phrases:
“Your beliefs become your thoughts. Your thoughts become your words. Your words become your actions. Your actions become your habits. Your habits become your values. Your values become your destiny!”
Now, just for fun! When you are not working, what are some activities you enjoy?
Anek: I spend time with my family, and enjoy visiting my grandparents and eating together. I also enjoy learning new skills by attending courses at a local institute.
What is your favorite Bible verse?
Anek: Deuteronomy 31:6 — “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.”
Muraa Rose Adauto
What is your role at World Relief?
Rose: I am a Reproductive Health Officer.
Can you share a little about your work — what you enjoy and what you find challenging?
Rose: In the maternity ward at our clinic in the Bentui Protection of Civilians camp, I conduct daily antenatal check-ups and ensure all pregnant women receive routine care. This work ensures that when the time comes for women to give birth, they can have a safe delivery for themselves and their babies.
I also lead focus groups with adolescents around health. The biggest challenge I face caring for the health of women and babies is the lack of resources and modern equipment available. There can be complications at any stage of pregnancy, labor and delivery, and without proper equipment, we are limited to what we can do. Even something as easy to do as an ultrasound scan can help us detect obstetric complications early and keep both mother and baby safe.
How do you see your work helping to improve the lives of women in your community?
Rose: My work at the clinic and through focus groups saves the lives of many in the community. By making services available and bringing awareness of these services to the community, women are more likely to understand their risks, take steps to prevent them and maintain their health and the health of their children.
What changes in the future do you hope to see in your community?
Rose: I hope to see women in the community pursue their prenatal, antenatal and postnatal health. With more women visiting a clinic for routine checks as well as for delivering their babies, there will be fewer complications than when all of this is done at home. It will also be important for people in the community to know and learn about family planning to reduce the rate of maternal mortality and morbidity.
If you have a daughter, what are your biggest dreams for her?
Rose: I dream she will go to school, study hard and become a health care worker.
Now, just for fun! When you are not working, what are some activities you enjoy?
Rose: I love storytelling and singing, especially singing at my church.
What is your favorite Bible verse?
Rose: Philippians 4:4 — “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!”
Anek and Rose’s leadership is changing beliefs, shifting systems, combating injustice and fighting for lasting change. They are challenging to change gender and societal norms to create a better world for women and girls. Will you join them?
Dana North serves as the Marketing Manager at World Relief. With a background in graphic design and advertising and experiences in community development and transformation, Dana seeks to use the power of words and action to help create a better world. Dana is especially passionate about seeking justice for women and girls around the world.
A Letter to Our Clients
We at World Relief are sad about the events of Jan 6th at the U.S. Capitol.
We know that many of you may be scared as you saw the violence at the Capitol. This may look like the situation you left behind in your country.
The beliefs seen at the Capitol building are not the same as World Relief and not the same as all Americans. In the Bible, God tells us to love our neighbors and be peacemakers.
World Relief does not agree with what happened at the Capitol.
We are sad about the people that died in the violence. We are sad about the difficult times refugees, immigrants and people of color are experiencing in the United States.
World Relief’s goal is to create welcoming communities. We want everyone to be treated fairly and feel safe in the United States. We want each person and family to find peace and hope for a good life in the United States.
We are praying for you and your family to be safe during this time.
Please let someone at World Relief know if you feel scared about the situation in our country, including the pandemic, and need someone to talk. We see you, we are glad you are here, and we stand with you.
-World Relief Chicagoland
3 Neglected Global Humanitarian Crises
World Humanitarian Day
Every year on August 19, we celebrate World Humanitarian Day — a day that commemorates humanitarian workers who, despite all odds, continue to provide life-saving support and protection to those most in need.
Around the world, people suffer daily from extreme poverty, violence, famine, displacement and much more. At World Relief, we seek to serve the most vulnerable in these situations, confronting these complex humanitarian crises with innovative and sustainable programs.
Providing life-saving assistance during an emergency is just one way we get to be the hands and feet of Jesus. Today, we want to share with you some of the lesser-known crises going on in the Democratic Republic of Congo, South Sudan and Sudan where our staff are faithfully working to assist those most in need.
Food Security in the Democratic Republic of Congo
The Global Food Security Index has been ranking countries’ levels of food security since 2012, measured by affordability, availability, quality and safety in access to food. The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has consistently ranked in the bottom four, with one in six residents facing hunger every day. In 2019, the DRC ranked #4, only preceded by Yemen, Burundi and Venezuela.
In Yemen, civil war is causing people to go hungry, in Burundi conflict over land resources is one source fueling the country’s perpetual poverty, and in Venezuela, political upheaval has caused massive countrywide inflation affecting the food prices. Yet these countries have not continuously ranked so low on the index the way DRC has. So, why is rampant hunger such an issue in DRC?
Armed groups hiding in the dense tropical forests provide one answer. They wreak havoc on local civilians. Congolese farmers are prevented from accessing their fields; whole villages are raided and sometimes burnt to the ground; gender-based violence has become the social norm, and mass internal displacement has disrupted food supply chains. What’s more, unceasing waves of Ebola outbreaks coupled with measles and now a COVID-19 pandemic has only added to the food security crisis.
Education in South Sudan
For Africa’s youngest nation, civil conflict broke out shortly after South Sudan gained independence in 2011, pitting ethnic groups and political parties against one another. As is often the case, children silently suffer the brunt of conflict. Yet sadly, education is often the most neglected sector in government and humanitarian response in South Sudan.
Prior to COVID-19, UNICEF estimated that 72% of South Sudan’s primary-aged children did not attend school, representing the world’s highest proportion of out-of-school children of any country. UNESCO put this number at 2.2 million children, with at least one in three school buildings non-operational due to war destruction, closure or being occupied by internally displaced persons or military groups.
When COVID-19 hit, the South Sudanese government closed down schools, much like other governments around the world. However, the lack of access to education has far more drastic and lasting effects in South Sudan.
The risk of physical and sexual violence increases as does child labor, sex trafficking, childhood marriage and army conscription. Food scarcity also increases as children lose access to school-provided meals, perpetuating the cycles of poverty and conflict and preventing this vulnerable new country from flourishing.
Political Unrest and Economic Insecurity in Sudan
In April 2019, Sudanese protestors peacefully took to the streets and removed former President Omar al-Bashir. Following the coup, a military-led council took power, prompting another series of protests which continue today. These protests aim to decrease inflation, implement greater civilian rule and reform laws that currently restrict freedoms.
Thus far, much progress has been made: alcohol consumption is allowed for non-Muslims, women can travel with their children without first obtaining the consent of a male guardian, female genital mutilation has been banned, and the crime of apostasy (a person’s conversion from Islam to another religion) has been abolished. Though these reforms signify positive change toward a more inclusive, democratic society, there is still much work to do.
Security forces have responded violently to some protesters, often resulting in death. Additionally, the economic problems at the root of the protests have made life difficult for the average citizen. Increased inflation rates often make it impossible to afford fuel and food, and widespread food insecurity has only been made worse by the presence of COVID-19.
US sanctions and a host of other factors have only exacerbated these economic issues. Sudan is on the U.S. Government’s list of State Sponsored Terrorism, a list that makes it difficult for Sudan to receive aid from international financial institutions, among other limitations. UN Attorney General Antonio Gutierrez has vigorously appealed for Sudan to be removed from this list so that the country can be reintegrated into the global economy, but to no avail thus far.
How We’re Responding
Though these situations can seem intractable, we believe the love of God and the work of His people can bring about lasting change in each of these countries. At World Relief we’re adapting to these constantly changing circumstances and finding innovative ways to serve our beneficiaries through humanitarian assistance and life-saving interventions.
In DRC, 3,500 farmers receive direct assistance in improved agricultural techniques, helping alleviate hunger for 164,000 individuals across three highly food insecure provinces.
In South Sudan, 50,000 students are educated through World Relief supported schools. Recently, one primary school in the Bentiu camp for Internally Displaced Persons ranked #1 in the country for primary student exam score results. During COVID-19, we continue to employ innovative approaches by encouraging student access to national radio learning programs.
And in Sudan, we’re providing malnutrition treatment to over 34,000 children under the age of 5 and pregnant women. We’re also giving agricultural support and food distribution for over 62,000 direct beneficiaries, and we’re further addressing economic crisis and resulting food insecurity by integrating livelihoods training throughout our programming.
Please join us in prayer for our brothers and sisters all over the world who suffer from various humanitarian crises. May we all see the hand of God at work even, in our darkest moments.
Lydia Dawson serves as World Relief’s Humanitarian and Disaster Response Unit Program Officer in Sudan, and in disaster response worldwide. Prior to joining World Relief, Lydia worked in homeless services and community development in Oregon and California. She is passionate about equity and honor for underrepresented groups, both locally and internationally.
Amanda Patterson serves as World Relief’s Humanitarian and Disaster Response Unit Program Officer in DR Congo and South Sudan. Prior to joining World Relief, Amanda worked overseas as a humanitarian responder to refugee and conflict emergencies in Niger, South Sudan, Greece, and Ethiopia with a large Christian NGO. She is passionate about helping others experience the beauty and diversity of God’s creation through art, nature and cultural engagement.
When a Refugee Child’s Education Stops
While living in the south Asian country of Bhutan, Pabi’s family was forced to flee their home due to political and ethnic persecution. At a young age, Pabi became a refugee. And like many refugee children, Pabi’s education risked coming to a halt. When her family fled to nearby Nepal, Pabi received some education, but the conditions of the school proved too harsh for her to flourish.
Eventually, the UN selected Pabi’s family for resettlement in the United States—specifically in the western suburbs of Chicago, Illinois. As World Relief’s Dupage/Aurora office began to resettle Pabi’s family, staff and volunteers carefully considered how they could help provide Pabi with the tools she needed to thrive in her education.
Pabi was only in 5th grade when she began schooling in the U.S. She remembers not being able to speak English and feeling fearful. “It was really scary, and I was worried every day,” Pabi recalls. “For a month I cried every night because students were not nice. I used to cry under the blanket so my parents couldn’t find out that I was crying.”
Thankfully, Pabi was able to join World Relief’s after-school program at an area church where she quickly found friends and academic assistance. She also befriended Nepali students, who were in higher level classes in school and helped her quickly learn English.
With a strengthened foundation because of the support Pabi received in the after school program, Pabi was poised to flourish in her academic pursuits. She continued to excel throughout middle school and high school. In fact, her academic achievement has resulted in a college scholarship through philanthropist Bob Carr’s Give Something Back Foundation (GSBF); Pabi was selected as only one of seven scholarship winners out of over 40 applicants. The scholarship, along with government financial aid, will allow Pabi to attend college tuition-free.
Pabi’s education could have ended the day she and her family fled Bhutan. But by the grace of God, Pabi’s tireless efforts and the help of World Relief and partner churches, Pabi will become the first in her family to attend college and is now filled with hope for her bright future.
Pabi’s story is one of many. Around the world, World Relief has made it a priority to partner with local churches and organizations to provide safe spaces for refugee children to continue learning, especially when formal education is not a viable option. In the U.S., we help newly arriving refugee families enroll in schools, provide school supplies to children and conduct after-school tutoring—ensuring that refugee children like Pabi can not only restart their education but thrive at every level. You can play a critical role in supporting refugees like Pabi through the work of World Relief.
Join us as we invest in the future of refugees around the world.
When Refugees Go Back to School (Q&A)
Children across the U.S. are returning to school. Recently resettled refugees will be among those children. Tabitha McDuffee, Communications Coordinator for World Relief Dupage/Aurora (WRDA) sat down with both Malita Gardner, Children & Youth Program Manager at WRDA, and Deborah, a former refugee from Southeast Asia and staff member at WRDA, to discuss what the back-to-school season means for refugees.
Their conversation addresses the challenges refugee children face in their education and the ways World Relief and our partners come alongside them, working to ensure a bright educational future for each child.
Tabitha: What happens to a child’s education when his or her family is forced to flee their home and country?
Deborah: When a family is forced to flee their home and country, a child’s education is interrupted. In some cases families may have to flee on such short notice that they do not have time to gather school documents or transcripts before leaving their home. This can make it difficult for children to enroll in school in the country they flee to.
What are some of the challenges refugee children face when they arrive in their temporary host country, before they are permanently resettled? Do they even have the option of going to school in these other countries?
Deborah: Oftentimes, the classes are very large, and the teachers are not well trained. The quality of education is very poor. Parents often do not encourage their children to attend school in the host country or refugee camp because they view their situation as temporary. According to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees [UNHCR 2016 Global Trends Report], refugees remain in a host country for an average of 17 years before returning home or being resettled. This means that refugee children may miss out on large portions of their education while in a refugee camp. If a child escapes their home when they are 12, and then they spends ten years in a refugee camp before coming to the U.S., when they get here they are too old to attend school.
When a refugee child’s family is resettled in the U.S., is public education immediately available to them?
Malita: Yes. U.S. resettlement agencies like World Relief assist refugee families to enroll their children in school, usually within 30 days of arrival.
And what are the greatest challenges refugee children face as they restart their education in the U.S.?
Language.
Malita: Refugee children’s biggest hurdle is learning English. They must progress in their language ability in order to thrive and succeed in school. However, children tend to learn a new language very quickly, so they may become fluent in as little as 18-24 months after arriving in the U.S.
Culture.
Deborah explains that schools are operated very differently in different parts of the world, so refugee children must adjust to this as well. Co-ed schools may be a new experience for some children. For her own children, the differences in grading systems were confusing.
Deborah: “I wish that teachers were more direct when telling me about my children’s progress. One of my kids was struggling in a class, but his teacher did not sound very serious or urgent when she told me, so I didn’t realize how important it was.”
Integration.
Refugee children can become isolated when they begin school in the U.S.
Malita: Refugee children are enrolled in an ESL (English as a Second Language) track so that they can improve their English while they attend school. While they benefit from spending much of the day with their assigned ESL teacher and other refugee children, it may isolate them from the rest of their classmates.
In the Middle East, World Relief works alongside local partners to host Kids Clubs, safe spaces for children to learn, play and grow. How does World Relief help refugee children arriving to the U.S.? What ongoing help and support does World Relief and its partner churches provide as children continue their education?
Malita: World Relief assists refugee children by enrolling them in school. Some local offices and partner churches organize after-school clubs or one-on-one tutoring for students. In some cases, ongoing help and support may include regular follow-up visits during the first year of resettlement to make sure that refugee children are adjusting well. Refugee families may also be connected with an individual or group of volunteers from the local community who visit them weekly to help the kids with homework, practice conversational English with the parents and answer questions they might have about American culture and practices.
What is the outcome when a refugee child begins to thrive educationally here in the U.S.?
Malita: Refugee children have a lot of potential. For instance, I think of a high school girl who was nominated as the school district’s “Student of the Month,” just four years after arriving in the U.S. She gave a speech to the school board and did an amazing job. It was so encouraging to see her success. When refugee children learn English, become involved in extracurricular activities and have access to academic support and resources, they begin to thrive. Through our youth programs, World Relief is privileged to play an important role in many success stories like this one.
World Relief’s work with refugee children and youth plays a vital role in their adjustment to new schools and their success in their new communities.
If you would like to donate to the work of World Relief during this back-to-school season visit our Refugee Crisis page.
Stopping Slavery before it Starts – A Story from Cambodia
Human trafficking continues to flourish today in 167 countries – that’s 85 percent of the world. Every day, women, men and children of all ages and nationalities are captured and forced to work on farms, in factories, in hotels or in the commercial sex trade – generating billions of dollars of revenue each year. But the worldwide church has stepped into the fight against this gross injustice. World Relief stands with local churches in Cambodia and the United States and empowers them to protect their communities from human traffickers. Cambodia’s bustling capital city, Phnom Penh, is a hot spot for slavery and trafficking – but across Cambodia, there’s a growing movement of churches standing with their communities to end slavery. In 2014, over 400 Cambodian churches worked together to spread awareness about human trafficking. This crime flourishes in darkness, but when it’s brought into the light, perpetrators begin to lose their power.
Yim Srey Oun in Cambodia
Yim Srey Oun, a farmer and mother of three, lives just outside Phnom Penh. As a busy mom, she counted on her family to work together to finish the ever-growing list of chores. “My husband and I always encouraged our children to study and we worked hard to support them. However, many times we would need their help to do other work in the farm but I never had thought of letting my children have enough time to study at home,” said Oun.
Then, last year, she attended a human trafficking training session through World Relief. She learned she could love her children by allowing them more time to devote to their studies. Their education is an investment in the security of their future – and it could protect the children from situations in which they’d be vulnerable to traffickers.
“I hope the anti-trafficking project of World Relief will continue to help and train the rest of the parents in my community…Moreover, I am looking forward to seeing fruitful cooperation and more efficient and effective implementation to prevent human trafficking in our country and stand for vulnerable people who live in our community as well,” said Oun. Pastors, youth volunteers and village leaders are spreading awareness about human trafficking far and wide across Cambodia.
Until all are free, the church will stand strong in the pursuit of justice.