Sudan Relief Task Force Report

Sudan Relief Task Force

Darius Jonathan reported from a recent telephone conversation with Sudan that the School and youth programs are doing well.  A young woman was recently hired to work with the youngest children.  Food draws some children into the programs, but low wages cause problems keeping a cook for the weekly meal; sometimes a parent helps out with the cooking.  Volunteers have repaired roof leaks from the rainy season and fixed aging furniture.  When someone must be hired, they try to give the job to unemployed refugees.

The choir is popular and gives concerts for which they earn a small fee.  They often conclude with a free “community sing” for awareness and support.  Oil and other monies have developed Khartoum into a modern city with amenities for those who can afford them.  However the IDP shop, which has been selling handicrafts, has been finding the competition from Chinese imports to be too steep.

We will encourage our friends to develop more income to support themselves, and consider placing some of the funds we send into an interest-bearing account, or a micro-loan to start a small business.  Darius will raise these broader financial questions with the IDPs, and ask for specific numbers of children, staff and a budget.

The “Bridge to Sudan” event on September 16^th, at the Williams Inn, earned $535 after $160 expense.  Hearty thanks to Judy Reichert for the idea, and to all who assisted!  We prepared 100 bags of Sudan Lentil Soup Mix, and hope for strong holiday sales!