Working in The Province of Sudan

On December 10th 2006 - Human Rights Day - Mothers' Union members from the UK will join other charities andNGOs in petitioning the UK Government to pursue peace for the region. See our special feature on Darfur.

The on-going civil war has greatly affected the people of Sudan. Poverty, illness and hunger are prevalent; many people are displaced and the socio-economic infrastructure is either non-existent or very fragile.

Mothers' Union members are active in prayer and evangelistic missions. They grow crops, visitsick and distressed families, and help mothers take care of their families by organising education classes on handicrafts and income-generating activities.

Long years of disadvantage and marginalisation for women are beginning to change. Mothers' Union staff and trustees have had the opportunity, this year, to meet with radiant women learners. They are so excited at their newfound literacy skills, which are integrated with and based on the development issues prioritised by each group.

There are 1,800 learners in Sudan in literacy circles - languages spoken include, Nuer, Dinka, Bari, Moru, Arabic and English.

Learners in Gudele Displacement Camp, Sudan designed a cultivation calendar for their farming project. They discussed the different roles of men and women in work and decision-making, and how to organise their workloads. Now they are turning their minds to other means of survival.

They have put small amounts of money together to buy cups and plates which they are hiring out for weddings and other social events. Other groups in Khartoum and Renk are making beautiful jewellery, undertaking chicken projects and joint agricultural schemes.

Visits are carried out and meetings are arranged to lend support to women. Financial problems, lack of education and lack of facilities are all challenges to running the literacy groups, but many people display first-hand the life-changing advantages of such work.