SCIAF’s work in the world’s newest nation

After decades of war South Sudan become the newest country in the world on the 9th July following a referendum in January which saw 99 per cent of the population vote for separation from northern Sudan. SCIAF’s Val Morgan recently visited the world’s newest nation and reports here on the long road to recovery for its people.

In the now peaceful surroundings of a small settlement, miles from the nearest road, I met a small and timid 13 year old boy called Razigi. When we arrived he slowly stepped out of his family’s hut in his bare feet, running a palm along the straw roof while his other hand grasped a bamboo stick.

Razigi lost his sight when he contracted River Blindness after being bitten by a Black Fly. Whilst the disease is preventable, a lack of medicine during the war with the north meant that he was unable to get treatment.

Andrew Maina, an occupational therapist working with one of SCIAF’s local partners, the Sudan Evangelical Movement (SEM), explained, “Razigi needs to learn basic skills to protect himself. We are teaching him methods like using the back of his hand to scan surfaces before he grabs something, so that he does not cut his fingers. The biggest problem though is restoring his confidence.”

Andrew’s long, patient hours of training with Razigi aim to give him basic life skills so that he can look after himself and contribute to community life. This includes doing basic household chores and learning to use a cane so he can move outside of his home.

With support from SCIAF, SEM reaches out to 6,500 people with disabilities in three districts of Mundri County. Many of the people they support have been directly affected by the war because of landmine injuries or the lack of medicine available to treat polio and River Blindness. These are the hidden legacies of the civil war.

Between 2009 and 2013 SCIAF, in partnership with the UK’s Department for International Development, is providing over £596,000 to help provide mobility aids such as wheelchairs, physiotherapy, training.

In addition, these funds will provide small loans to help start up businesses, provide access to school for children with disabilities including teacher training, and deliver education in the community to encourage positive and inclusive attitudes to people with disabilities.

In a country which is just starting on the long road to recovery, the Church and charities such as SCIAF are taking small steps to improve the lives of some of the nation’s most vulnerable. Your help is making this possible.