By Yiep Joseph
South Sudanese Students’ Union in Uganda is calling on the South Sudanese government to fund a charity program aimed at supporting learners in refugee camps.
As many students face challenges that include lack of scholastic materials, this has prompted the union to launch a welfare initiative to assist those in need.
Speaking during the launch of the program, Natalia Namaku Jackson, the union’s chairperson said many students in the camps are at risk of dropping out due to inadequate resources and assistance.
Ms. Namaku urged the South Sudanese Embassy in Uganda to maintain regular contact with individuals in the camps and provide the necessary support.
She underscored that without backing from the home government, the union’s efforts to aid the vulnerable learners will face considerable difficulties.
Meanwhile, the Secretary of Refugee Affairs in the Student Union, Ayen Lueth, reiterated that the new initiative would help in addressing challenges in the camps.
“The program aims to reach out to South Sudanese students in refugee camps and settlements across the country (Uganda) to provide them with essential items such as exercise books, pads, and soaps, among others,” she said.
Ayen urged the government and the embassy in particular to support the student body in achieving its goal.
She expressed that most students dropped out of school due to minor problems that can be handled by the union should they have funds.
Ayen promised that her department would remain committed to ensuring that students in general and those in the camps in particular have to help to achieve their goal.
In his part, Lual Akol, the Education Attaché at the Embassy of South Sudan in Uganda, acknowledged the program and promised to support it to ensure that it is successful.
He expressed that although the country faces an economic crisis, the government remains committed to supporting student bodies.
Lual urged the students to work hard and distance themselves from all sorts of crime.
Dr. Kennedy Gaaniko, former Deputy Governor of Western Equatoria State, appreciated the students for remaining united.
He called on the students to remain united and focus on their studies.
The South Sudanese Students’ Union in Uganda is an established student body focused on guiding and supporting students, promoting nationalism, patriotism, and girl child education, as well as engaging in scientific debates and implementing government development policies.