Representatives from the Episcopal Church of South Sudan (ECSS) and the Liliane Foundation pose for a group photo during the launch of a five-day workshop focused on initiatives supporting children with disabilities on September 17, 2024. — Ayen Makur/Eye Radio

The Episcopal Church of South Sudan and Liliane Foundation unveiled a new initiative dedicated to empowering children with disabilities.

The Episcopal Church of South Sudan (ECSS) and the Liliane Foundation have collaborated for the past six years to support young people with disabilities through a child empowerment program.

Dr. Lubari Stephen Elioba, Managing Director of the Episcopal Church of South Sudan Education and Training Department, notes that the new approach emphasizes vocational training and other specialized areas to enhance the livelihoods of individuals living with disabilities.

He emphasized that the goal of building an effective approach is to deliver services and activities that support young people living with disabilities.

“Today marks a historic day for us in South Sudan as we conduct this workshop,” Dr. Stephen stated during the event in Juba. “This workshop aims to develop a new strategy for implementing activities that focus on children with disabilities.”

“For the past five to six years, we have utilized a child empowerment program, but we now intend to shift towards establishing an effective network,” he explained.

“This first approach emphasizes the importance of local support systems, including teachers, nurses, and community partners who can assist children with disabilities,” he continued.

“Our new strategy focuses on identifying specialists in various fields, such as medical care and vocational training, to ensure that parents and children with disabilities can improve their livelihoods effectively.”

John Veron, Program Manager of the Liliane Foundation, highlights their ongoing support for children with disabilities across various areas, including education, healthcare, and vocational training, all aimed at improving their quality of life.

He emphasizes their commitment to fostering positive outcomes that enable children with disabilities to participate fully at all levels of society.

“As an organization, we believe in long-term support to create a meaningful impact on children and young people with disabilities, ensuring they can thrive in an inclusive society,” said Veron.

“In South Sudan, we collaborate with local organizations, such as the Training Institute of the Episcopal Church of South Sudan, to provide essential services,” he explained.

“This includes operational support, assistive devices, and educational assistance, such as covering school fees, which allows children with disabilities to attend school and enhance their learning. This, in turn, empowers them to support their families and secure meaningful employment,” he added.

“We are also focused on strengthening the capacities of South Sudanese organizations, enabling them to better fulfil their missions and effectively serve their communities,” Veron said.

“We are committed to a long-term partnership with the people of South Sudan to make a profound, positive impact on the lives of children with disabilities, ensuring they can fully engage in society.”

Most Rev’d Dr. Justin Badi Arama, Primate of the Episcopal Church of South Sudan and the Metropolitan Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Juba has urged all South Sudanese to show compassion and support for people living with disabilities.

He expressed his gratitude to the Liliane Foundation for its unwavering commitment to helping children with disabilities.

“I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to the Liliane Foundation for their compassion in aiding children with disabilities—children who are neither your relatives nor of your nationality, but who were all created in the image of God,” Bishop Badi stated.

He emphasized, “Wishing them well and supporting their participation is truly commendable. That embodies the heart of compassion.”

Rev’d Dr. Justin Badi called on everyone present, whether Christian or simply human, to serve as instruments of God by extending compassion to those in need. “It is not easy, and it requires great sacrifice,” he acknowledged.

“The challenge now lies with us South Sudanese: Are we ready and willing to make sacrifices to extend that compassion? We must empower these children to participate in their communities and realize their full potential,” he said.

“This is a significant challenge, and I encourage all of us to adopt a sacrificial mindset towards helping children and those in need, so they can enjoy life equally with others.”

“As a church, there is no truer expression of Christianity than possessing a heart of compassion for others,” he concluded.