Down & Dromore’s strengthening partnership with Southern Sudan
Over the last number of years Down and Dromore Diocese has been committed to Southern Sudan and have been developing a strong partnership which has seen two way people exchange and education programmes supported by many parishes in the Diocese in Ireland.
Returning from a recent two week visit, David Gough, CMS Ireland's Regional Mission Partner for Sudan and Egypt reflected on the opportunity to see, for himself, the life-changing work at the rapidly growing center Yei Vocational Training Centre and how it was transforming people's lives.
Occupying the site of an old army barracks, in the Southern Sudanese provincial town of Yei, the Vocational Training Centre (VTC) was established, in partnership with CMS Ireland, in 2003. It provides training in building, carpentry and vehicle mechanics, amongst other things, and supports a range of micro-enterprise programmes that help give people the chance to stand on their own two feet. This year the college has expanded its teaching programme - starting new courses in water and sanitation, electrical work and plumbing.
David said: "What's happening in Yei VTC is inspirational. This is the love of Christ lived out in word and deed and it's a great example of how the church can find ways to authentically live out the gospel message," says David. "Many of the students have lived through traumatic experiences and this is a chance to help them deal with their past and start to put down roots again."
The VTC was started by CMS Ireland Mission Partners Billy and Jenny Smyth and in recent years has been managed by two of the Society's short-term Mission Partners, John and Poppy Spens.
The first intake of students in 2004 saw 46 demobilised child soldiers and returning refugees benefit from the training and care shown to them. In recent years the college has continued to grow with more than 200 students graduating to date.
"The story of the college is of growth," comments David. Thanks to a number of donors new dormitories, refurbished classrooms and bigger workshops have been built and bear testament to this claim. He goes on to explain, "It's now recognised by the Ministry of Education as a centre of excellence in Southern Sudan with more than 100 students enrolled this year."
The quality of the work undertaken by the college is acclaimed not only by the students but also by other organisations working in the area. David says, "While I was visiting John and Poppy in Yei, a representative from the Danish Refugee Council arrived onto the compound for one simple reason - to thank John for the quality of training that had been provided to his new driver. The work of the college is having a positive effect on the wider community and on other NGO's working in the region. It's like dropping a stone in a pond - the ripples spread out and gently impact the whole area."
"But the most important thing is that the college has remained true to its mission calling. For the local church this is an opportunity to share the transforming message of Jesus - and that's exactly what they are doing. The recently started Alpha course, for example, has seen 28 students exploring more about what it means to be a Christian, to have a living faith."
Despite the enormous positives that mark the college's development David is keen to stress that it still faces some significant challenges. "It's difficult for students to afford the fees - even though they are kept to an absolute minimum," he says. "That's one of the areas that we're working on at the moment - finding ways to supplement those costs, so that more people can access the training and support that the college offers. We'll be launching a new initiative to help with this in the near future. By dealing with issues like this we are confident that we can help find ways to make the whole thing sustainable in the long-term."
"The bottom line is that without the work of Yei VTC the lives of hundreds of families would be drastically different," says David. "Their qualifications give the students the chance to find a job, the micro-enterprise scheme offers women an opportunity to start a small business, the craft programme provides a modest income and the encounter with Christian staff allows them to see Christ in their midst. This is what mission is all about".
To learn more about CMS Ireland's work in Southern Sudan please contact David Gough through CMS Ireland's offices in Dublin or Belfast. Visit www.cmsireland.org