The Ethiopian Catholic Church Social and Development Commission with the support of Catholic Relief Services (CRS) constructed four schools for South Sudanese Refugees in Ethiopia in Kule and Terkendi camps, in Gambella regional State, Ethiopia.
During the inaugurating ceremony of the schools with a blessing and prayer Rt. Rev. Angelo Moreschi, S.D.B, the Apostolic Vicar of Gambella said that the schools constructed in both camps at a cost of Birr 9 million (about USD 433,600) is part of the Church’s support to the refugees in her effort to the integral human development.
He said “we are here today to show our solidarity with the displaced people of South Sudan and contribute to educating the young children of South Sudan who have come to Ethiopia to seek shelter because of the conflicts in their countries. We must thank God for giving us this opportunity to assist the refugees by constructing these educational facilities.”
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| Official Opening of one of the newly constructed schools for the Sudanese Refugees in Gambela |
The Catholic Church has been supporting refugees in both camps with various interventions since the conflicts in South Sudan occurred.
More than 4800 children are expected to benefit from the 4 schools constructed. The construction also included water points and latrines for boys and girls and all the class rooms are furnished with the necessary school desks and blackboards. While the construction was ongoing the teachers were also given trainings and 4 school health clubs were established as part of the project.
According to the agreement of the project the Norwegian Refugee Council will take over the responsibility of running the schools. Executive director of Ethiopian Catholic Church Social and Development Commission Mr. Bekele Moges, Country representative of CRS Ethiopia Mr. Matt Davis and representatives of partner organizations and beneficiary community members were also present at the inauguration ceremony.
Source: Makeda Yohannes, CBCE Communications and Public Relation Officer