uprooted by the war in Sudan, Stephen's best hope for the future is an education now.
For many of us Christmas is inseparable from the idea of light. At this time of year there are lights everywhere, from imitation candles on Christmas trees to Scandinavian-style lights in windows and elaborate illuminations in shopping centres. And for Christians, light takes on a special meaning as it symbolises the coming of Jesus, the Light of the World.
For people in Sudan, light has a further meaning. 'Education is light', sing children in Sudanese schools, echoing the popular view that education is vital in a country still beset by war and emergencies. In spite of the horrors of civil war, people feel that if their children's education is neglected now, the real battle for their country's survival is still to come.
Ten-year-old Stephen attends a school in a village in the Southern Blue Nile region of Sudan. The school has four unpaid teachers, but since they all have to earn a living somewhere else, they can't afford to spend much time teaching at the school. If only one teacher turns up, the children get sent home after a couple of hours. The parents' committee would like to be able to support teachers by giving them food and clothing, but local families have next to nothing for themselves, let alone for other people. As people flee from each fresh outbreak of fighting, harvests are lost and there is no stability.
Stephen enjoys school and is eager to learn. He would like to be able to return to his home one day and use his education to serve his community. Stephen's looking forward to Christmas when he'll be sharing peanuts with his friends. 'But', he adds, 'when Christmas is approaching everyone wants new clothes. If I don't get any new clothes I don't like going out and joining the celebrations.'
Despite the constant threat of renewed fighting, local communities are determined to give their children an education and a chance of a better future. With the support of Christian Aid, the churches in Sudan are encouraging people to stay in safe areas and to set up schools. This Christmastide, Sudanese Christians will be celebrating the promise of light in the darkness through the coming of Jesus, and praying for their children, that they may have light, in every sense, in the future.
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page last updated 5 DECEMBER 1999