The following story from the Salesian News Agency is focused on our Salesian work in Tonj, Sudan. I was so happy to see the photo of my friend Fr. John Peter! He spent the summer with us here in Orange last year as he worked on the mission band. He is a wonderful person and spoke with great affection for his work in Tonj.
(ANS – Tonj) – On 7 September the young people from the Salesian centre in Tonj, Sudan experienced a very significant and important day. In an atmosphere of solemn celebration they officially presented themselves to the people of the parish as an organised Catholic, Salesian group.
The event had been preceded by a long process of preparation undertaken by the young people for eight months accompanied by the Salesian community. After the new peace agreement to bring the fighting to an end, everyday the Salesians began to meet and gather together the youngsters of Tonj providing them with various oratory activities and saying the rosary. A significant step had been the day of recollection in preparation for the Fest of Pentecost after which small groups were formed named “Saint Bakhita”, “Saint Dominic Savio” and “Saint Joseph”.
The efforts of the Salesians of Don Bosco and the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians in the Tonj area have also led to the setting up of a special formation programme for the children and young people of this region in the south of Sudan. In 2007 as well as the primary school a nursery and secondary school were started thus ensuring that more young people would have the chance of beginning and completing a good basic education. At the end of the month of August, after interviews and entrance exams, 400 new pupils were added to the 800 of the previous year. The high number of pupils and the limited infrastructure with a shortage of classrooms and desks means that the religious and the teachers have to take it in turns during the day.
Quite significant are the efforts are being made to train the teachers and the catechists who are working in the parish and in the villages.
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