Improving the Lives of Children


 

UMCOR constructed two permanent blocks of classrooms with furniture as well as an office for the teachers in Lasu Camp, Sudan. The UMCOR Sudan project was funded by Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration and the US Department of State. Photo: UMCOR Sudan

  By Lemeringa Leon

Congolese refugees arrived in Lasu Camp in Yei River County in February 2009. The South Sudan government and landlords gave some residential land for the refugee camp. Life was miserable for the refugees. They had limited facilities and there was no school for the children, remembers Lemeringa Leon, headmaster of the Nyori 2 Primary School at the camp.

He recalls that in June 2009 they decided to start a school under the trees and later ACROSS (implementing organization) of UNCHR constructed temporary classrooms using local materials. But those structures were not conducive for learning, especially during the rainy season.

“During this hard situation, the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) came in with a useful education program for refugee pupils in the camp,” said Leon. UMCOR constructed two permanent blocks of classrooms with furniture as well as an office for the teachers. UMCOR also constructed three blocks of pit latrines and hand washing facilities. Students received school uniforms, health kits, and school kits to help them improve both their health and learning. Donated sports equipment also helped the students.

UMCOR distributes hygiene and school kits for pupils at Nyori 2 primary school. Photo: UMCOR Sudan

 “UMCOR also conducted PTA training for teachers, parents, and the school management committee,” recalls Leon. “It made a positive impact on the teachers and parents committee, which resulted in an increase in pupil’s enrollment in the school.” He reports all the facilities are now being used by the school.

“We are very happy with UMCOR’s support.” Leon says. “I love UMCOR and thank UMCOR for the best services that UMCOR has given us.”

This UMCOR-Sudan project was funded by Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration, US Department of State. The program is continuing in 2012 in the same refugee camp.

Lemeringa Leon is the headmaster of the Nyori 2 Primary School



New temporary office at Nyori 2 Primary School