Dear Friend,

We were heartened to receive these photos of the recent graduation ceremony for the Juba, South Sudan Literacy Groups. It is always an exciting moment when group members are accredited as literate. These 400 women and men have worked long and patiently to learn language skills, which will help propel them toward a brighter future as entrepreneurs. 

All of these participants are living in displaced people's communities or “protection of civilian” (POC) camps near the capital of Juba. They received training on trauma-healing to address the significant trauma in South Sudan they have faced, and to promote trust and peace-building among the communities.  

The Anglican province leader noted that the displaced community members and POC camp members among the graduates represent many of the ethnic groups in South Sudan, especially of the majority groups. It is a deep encouragement for how the program is impacting communities for unity, especially in South Sudan where instability can be the norm. 

The ability to read and write is a life-changing experience that the blessings of community, self-reliance and sense of agency hold for program participants. Each of these graduates will be joining Savings Groups in the next year to learn to save together, loan to each other and gain business skills to develop their income generation and provide for their families. Each one of these graduates are agents of change in their family and for their community.

Thank you for walking with these women and men who have benefited from your thoughtful support.