By Simon Deng
Hundreds of children in Islamic orphanages and schools across Juba on Saturday received school supplies and clothing donated by the Türkiye Diyanet Foundation, as part of an initiative targeting 900 orphans and vulnerable students who face difficulties accessing basic educational materials.
The initiative is aimed at supporting children who cannot afford essential school supplies, as well as students in need of additional academic assistance.
Speaking during the handover ceremony, Alnur Kur, Director-General of Islamic Institutes, expressed gratitude to the Turkish organization for its intervention, saying the support will help ease the financial burden on families struggling with economic hardship.
“We extend our deep gratitude to the organization that provided these essential materials, including school bags, shoes, and educational supplies, for our children in South Sudan,” Kur stated.
He added that “the distribution targets orphans, vulnerable families unable to afford basic supplies, and students requiring academic support across South Sudan.”
Kur praised the organization’s commitment to charitable work, noting, “These organizations are dedicated strictly to Islamic charitable work without any hidden agendas. They consistently provide sacrificial meat and clothing, and have now expanded their support to meet educational needs.”
He further underscored the ongoing economic challenges faced by families, explaining that the lack of steady household income makes external assistance crucial.
“The situation in our schools remains challenging due to the economic struggles families face at home.While South Sudan possesses potential, current circumstances make daily life a struggle for many. Generous aid initiatives like this significantly help our communities overcome these obstacles.”
Kur also emphasized the deep historical roots of the Islamic community in the region, noting that this initiative builds on a long-standing tradition of support.
He mentioned that the movement operates key institutions in South Sudan, including major educational facilities and field operations supporting local populations.
Osman Turk, African Representative for the Türkiye Diyanet Foundation, confirmed that the organization is finalizing its current project cycle in the region.
“Through this initiative, we are distributing support to 450 orphans alongside an additional 450 aid packages, reaching approximately 900 total beneficiaries,” Turk explained.
Monyror Luol Monyluak, Director of the Peace Light Foundation, which partnered with the Türkiye Diyanet Foundation, revealed that beneficiaries come from various educational institutions. Students received school bags, shoes, clothes, and water bottles.
Beneficiary schools include the Basic Education Institute for Girls, the Basic Religious Institute, Al-Salam Basic School, and the Dr. Mohammed Kuol Model Basic School. Traditional Quranic schools (Kalwa) also received support, including Sheikh Daifa-Allah School, Dar Al-Salam, and Dar Al-Arqam School in Rock City.
Monyluak highlighted the scale of the current distribution: “This is the first time distributions have been carried out on this scale. We have distributed clothes previously, but this is the first time we have provided full educational materials. God willing, we plan to extend our efforts during Ramadan.”
Beneficiaries warmly welcomed the assistance. Huda, a Primary 3 pupil at Nature Gate Primary School, expressed her appreciation, saying, “I am just getting to know this gift. It is a gesture of kindness. I thank them very much for the gift they brought us from Türkiye and for helping us.”
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