Thousands of South Sudanese orphans at Straight Link Orphanage in Juba, the capital of South Sudan had for the last week lacked food, drinking water and essential services such as modern beds until the China National Logging Corporation (CNLC) turned up to fill the gap.
China National Logging Corporation- a subsidiary of China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC) on Saturday put a smile on orphans such as John Lokopir,20, a senior two secondary student who has been staying at the orphanage for the last 13 years.
The CNLC team made up of Chinese and South Sudanese staff snaked through the Jebel Yesua, suburb east of the capital to deliver sacks of maize flour, sugar and rice and beds made of furniture to the orphanage hosting more than 3,000 orphans and needy children.
Most of these children like Lokopir either lost their parents during the 2013 and 2016 political violence or are unable to help themselves to basic necessities of life due to poverty.
“I have nothing to say but to appreciate what the Chinese have done for us at this critical time. This is a result of your (Chinese) effort and time to get this for the interest of others and not for you alone, so you will receive blessings for supporting us,” Lokopir speaking on behalf of the orphans at the ceremony held at the orphanage said.
“You have brought those beds we are going to sleep on, and I am sure those who are going to sleep on them today are going to retain them and will be happy,” he added.
Patrick Lapok, the director of Straight Link Orphanage and also a police officer in the South Sudan national police services, said they are taking care of orphans, children with disability and children of poor parents.
He said the orphanage opened in 2010 with six children under a tree, adding that the number increased following the two political conflicts that broke out in the country.
“The place started with only six children but currently we have over 100 who stay with us in the compound, we have over 400 orphans who are studying for free within this center and we also have over 700 children who are single parents who are paying little school fees,” Lapok said.
He disclosed about 2000 of these children have parents who cannot afford school fees for them.
“Our basic needs such as food are always a challenge for us to take care of over 100 South Sudanese who need to eat every day; if you don’t have the support definitively, you cannot manage. The children here are over 3,000 and when you look around the classes are not enough, one class is containing about 300 learners,” Lapok said.
He added they are currently accommodating some of the children in rented houses due to congestion.
“We have the space but because of financial problems, we cannot raise buildings up to accommodate these children,” Lapok said.
In addition, he said the children also lack class room furniture, as one desk can accommodate up to four learners.
“If you produce 100 desks, already you have provided 400 learners with seats and they will seat comfortably and learn, but right now you find a child sits on the ground and holds the book to write,” Lapok said.
He disclosed some of the children who earlier went through the orphanage in it’s humble beginnings are working in government, humanitarian organizations and more are pursuing studies in various universities.
Zhang Puwang, deputy manager of CNLC said as a subsidiary of CNPC they are not only an oil technical services company but a mission-driven organization committed to serving South Sudan.
“We shoulder the responsibility of contributing to the prosperity of South Sudan, ensuring a better life for its people, not just focusing on our own development,” Zhang said.
He said the donation from CNLC is not only about delivering supplies but also about sharing the company’s care and love for children who are the future of South Sudan.
“The motto “Everyone strives for the greater good” is not just a phrase; it is our mission. We need to put in efforts not only in our work but also in our social responsibilities, striving for the well-being of everyone. Only when each one of us actively roots ourselves in South Sudan and serves the country can we collectively create a better future,” Zhang said.
