Sudan Relief Fund Evaluates Sudan, South Sudan Projects, Commits to More Local Engagement

He added, “The Catholic Diocese of Tombura-Yambio is a priority for us and we believe in Bishop Eduardo, his vision for the people and the love that he has for the people.”

The assessment of other dioceses, Mr. Dettoni said, would come later to also find out the goals achieved by the organization’s projects.

The interview with Mr. Dettoni came after the official’s meeting with Bishop Hiiboro during which they discussed the needs of the Diocese and evaluated SRF-funded projects in the Diocese.

The SRF official assured the beneficiaries of the East-Central African nation that “they are not forgotten in this time of COVID-19 and that they have people in America who love them and who want them to be prosperous.”

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On his part, Bishop Hiiboro noted that the SRF activities had been supportive in social areas especially in education where they sponsored the construction of classrooms in some of the Diocese’s secondary schools.

In Tombura-Yambio Diocese, the prelate said, SRF supported the diocesan hospital and worked with the Church on peace interventions in Western Equatoria state.

“Sudan Relief Fund has worked with us for the last 12 years and they have been very supportive of our programs, from pastoral to social,” Bishop Hiiboro said and added, “As a result, so much has been realized.”

Some of the beneficiaries of SRF subsidies, the Bishop said, include, Priests, Religious Sisters, Seminarians, and Catechists besides contributions toward the construction of Priests’ residences.

According to the Local Ordinary of South Sudan’s Tombura-Yambio Diocese, SRF projects are unique in comparison to the support by other charity organizations.

He explained, “What is unique about the organization is that they work through the local partners. They do not have offices of their own with employees, but rather work with local people, strengthening the capacities of the different local organizations within the country.”

Additionally, SRF services have extended to the Sudanese refugees in Uganda, at Bidi Bidi Refugee settlement camp, Ajumani, and others in Arua.

The organization has been supportive of the activities of the Sudan Catholic Bishops Conference (SCBC) as well as St. Paul’s national Major Seminary and the people in the Nuba Mountains within Sudan’s Diocese of El Obeid, according to Bishop Hiiboro.