African Action is pleased to announce a new project in Obbo, Southern Sudan!
Where is Obbo?
Obbo can be reached by road over the border from Northern Uganda. It is a two hour drive from the town of Kitgum. By air into Juba the capital city it is a five hour drive to Obbo.
Mark showing James the beginning of the land given to African Action International
A NEW CHALLENGE IN 2013
By Medina Lamunu Oling and Jean Leak.
Obbo is located in Southern Sudan in Eastern Equatorial region. Obbo had been severely destroyed by the 21 years of war along with other areas of Southern Sudan. Most people fled to the neighboring countries in Ugandan refugee camps at Kiryandongo, Kyangwali, and Adjumani and in Kenya in Kakuma Camp.
Southern Sudan’s Christian communities suffered all kinds of persecution because of their faith from the hands of the extremist and fundamentalist Islamic regimes in Sudan. However, in 2005, a miracle happened and peace was partially achieved and Southern Sudanese were able to decide on their fate by separating away from Northern Sudan in July 2011. Now after achieving independence many Southern Sudan people have returned to their home region to begin their lives afresh. Many are struggling to survive without the help of infrastructure or government benefits, with little or no hope at all. This is a desperate situation.
AAI Board members plan to visit Obbo in September 2013 together with George Oling to meet the Obbo Government Representatives in Juba, and travel to Obbo to meet the Village Chief’s, Elders and Leaders in order to explore the area and plan the way forward.
Pastor Chris Carmody and the Christian Family Church in Warragul, Victoria have committed to partner with AAI to launch this venture and have adopted Southern Sudan as the nation they will support during 2013.
Needs identified in Obbo, Southern Sudan
Church activities: A church was begun in 2012 and is already growing and functioning under the leadership of a man named Mark Okullu with 60 to 80 people attending services. The church began under a tree but is now housed in a natural bush timber structure with plastic sheeting inserted under the roof materials to protect from the heavy rains. Mark is also the teacher in the one local school in the area. Helping Mark is a man called Charles Oton, he is the brother of George Oling. George is presently completing pastoral training with the CRC Churches International in Warragul Victoria, and will be active in the work in cooperation with Pr Sunday Sula Lasa and his team of Pastors in Uganda.
George Oling and his wife Medina Lamunu
Education: Education is the primary key needed for development and poverty eradication. Without education a society cannot achieve a better standard of living. Unfortunately the majority of people in Obbo currently lack access to good education. Educating people in Obbo rural areas will be our first priority and is an effective strategy for rebuilding the livelihood of the people after the recent 21 years of Civil War.
Agriculture Development: Obbo, has fertile and rich soil ideal for crop production. The land has been donated to AAI. Using this land for agricultural projects will raise finance for community works and create jobs for local people, also providing food for the school students. A tractor will need to be purchased for this work.
Clean water project: A priority will be given to see a new well dug to provide clean water for household use and prevention of water-borne diseases, also enabling children to attend school rather than to go searching for water day by day. The nearby river in Obbo dries up into puddles of muddy brown water in the hot season; thereby diseases such as typhoid cholera are prevalent and destroy the lives of many people.
Medical Intervention: The people have no recourse to proper medical treatment at this time. The only Health Centre in Obbo is not functioning properly; recently it has been closed down leaving people without access to medical care. We hope that some medical help may be provided in the future.
Women: Among the issues facing women in Obbo are illiteracy, maternal mortality, and high rates of poverty. Introduction of adult education programs would give them hope of a secure future for themselves and their children. Provision of clinical services would assist in an effort to reduce the mortality rate among children and improve maternal health, particularly the pregnant and nursing mothers. AAI is also aiming at developing programs that will empower and encourage the women to use their talents in micro businesses through our partnership.
Men: To encourage the men in the Obbo community through friendship and encouraging support for family life. By involving the men in building and development projects to benefit the community. Teaching on the privilege of mentoring the next generation. Develop business and marketing strategies to provide employment opportunities.
We believe as we follow the vision and begin the venture the resources will be provided.
African Action International 