South Sudan's English Daily Newspaper
"We Dare where others fear"
By Okech Francis
Marline Christine has seen it all at 17 years, the challenges of growing up without a parent and believes that her life at the Confident Children out of Conflict is a big turning point towards a fruitful future.
She is one of 53 needy children the organization is taking care of, on the outskirt of Juba, with help from friends like the Overseas Chinese Association in South Sudan. At a visit by the association to the children’s home on Bilpham road on Wednesday, Pan Jianyan, a Chinese business woman who owns the New Trading and Investment Co., Ltd provided food and non-food items to the children.
For Christine, the assistance means she can have the means to continue trudging on with life. “They are really helpful, not only today, but last year they brought some things. They brought school bags, books,” she told The Dawn at the ceremony. “I like them because they are not only supporting us, but they are supporting South Sudan kids who also lack parental care.”
Christine who comes from Yambio in Western Equatoria State went through a grievous ordeal when her grandmother brought her to Juba with promises of education and a bright future. Things however turned bad when the granny started blaming Christine for bringing misfortune on her. “She brought all these things like, I’m now the problem, and then she started treating me badly. She started beating me. At times, I would sleep outside. Neighbors would try to talk to my grandmother but she would not listen because many people were scared of her,” Christine recalled.
By and by, she was taken up by the Confident Children out of Conflict who put her up in school where is currently in senior 2. Like her, there are many South Sudanese children going through a lot of problems in their lives but and individuals like Jianyan or organizations like the Overseas Chinese Association in South Sudan have help to get back on the track of both personal and social development. “Though these are small actions, they reflect our genuine commitment to the principle of giving back to society what we gain from it,” Jianyan said at the ceremony. “My company and I will continue to take our social responsibility seriously, actively participate in local charity efforts and contribute to the development of South Sudan’s economy and the wellbeing of its people,” she said.
The Chairman of Overseas Chinese Association in South Sudan , Li Guanghua, said that the association’s aim is promoting friendly cooperation between China and South Sudan and as well enhancing people to people exchanges and collaboration.
“South Sudan is a new country and we are here working together with the people to support each other,” Guanghua said in his speech. “Every year we endeavor to support the schools, the orphanages because they are the most in need and I know these children we support are the ones who will carry on with the development of this country in future,” he said.
The Confident Children out of Conflict, established in 2007, works with friends like the Chinese communities in South Sudan to ensure vulnerable children have a chance to good future lives. Bida Samson Robert, the Executive Director, said. “We came up with the initiative to bring these children from the streets to the center to help them realize a future,” Robert said. “We create awareness on the rights of children and also advocate for the protection of the rights of children,” he said.
Robert thanked the people of China for their continuous assistance “to the future of the children of South Sudan.” “You stood for us and your support has really changed the life of these children and has put a smile on their faces,” he said.
Businesswoman Jianyan noted an excellent relationship between China and South Sudan as the reason for mutual friendship citizens of the two countries enjoy. Jianyan hailed “the tireless efforts” of the Chinese Embassy in South Sudan “which has built a strong bridge for China-South Sudan economic cooperation and provided continuous guidance and support to the Chinese enterprises, that we are able to take root and thrive on this promising land.” “The South Sudan government has worked hard over the past 15 years to create an open, stable and inclusive business environment which has laid a solid foundation for long term growth,” she said.
The Deputy Chief of Mission at the Chinese Embassy, Counselor Huo Ying said the friendship between China and South Sudan does not only lie in the close bilateral ties between the governments, but also exists in the exchanges between the two peoples.
“I’m very glad to see that Chinese companies in South Sudan shoulder the social responsibility, carry out practical actions for South Sudanese society, and bring warmth and hope to the lovely children,” Ying said.
Turning to the children, she said, “Brave boys and girls, life may have presented you with rain and snow, but you will always possess the power to grow towards the sun.”
“You are the recipient of our love today, and you will be the deliverer of love tomorrow. And I am looking forward that even one day, you will be the ones who continue to build the bridge of friendship between China and South Sudan, so let me wish you the best luck and may you embrace your bright future!”
True to her words, Joseph Ayam, one of the children has a plan to use such support to develop into a responsible human being.
“Such support, it really plays a role in my life and helps me but not only me alone, even the other kids,” Ayam said.
The 17 year old from neighboring Democratic Republic of Congo sought refuge in Juba as an infant with both parents but by 2016, when he was left alone with his father who had no idea of child upbringing. Two years later, his father took him to the Conflict Children out of Conflict Center.
“I know I will succeed,” Ayam who has a vision of being a professional chemist in future said. “Instead of fighting our country, we want to change the country to be a better place, not only in South Sudan alone, maybe all Africa. That’s what I am praying for,” he said.
