• Apr. 28, 2009 - Where is Jacob Headed?
Jacob is currently still working at Luther Seminary but he had an interview last Friday for two positions offered by Mennonite Central Committee. These positions are both located in Southern Sudan. The interview went really well and looks very promising. Since the field supervisor in the Sudan has the final say we are not sure how long it will take to get an answer. I really think this may be the time he actually goes. If he does get either job we will not be seeing him for 3 years. He would most likely head to Africa in late summer. I know we will be doing an Africa unit if he goes though. You can read more about the work of MCC at the website. Mennonite Central Committe Home Page Here's is just a bit from the website about the job he is most likely to get.
Location Description
Juba is an historic trading village on the banks of the White Nile River in Southern Sudan. The recent 23 years of civil war dramatically impacted Juba as it was a garrison town held throughout the war by the North. Public services and infrastructure were destroyed and are being rebuilt. Juba is the capital city of the new Government of Southern Sudan. Living in Juba is not easy, but it is quickly becoming a busy center for the new southern government. Thousands of returnees and formerly displaced persons have flocked to Juba putting a great strain on scarce health, education, water, sewer and sanitation services. Local markets import fresh food from Uganda and Kenya. Fruits and vegetables are usually available. Most of what is needed on a day-to-day basis is in Juba. A couple of shops cater to the food preferences of expatriates.Juba and Southern Sudan is hot, and for parts of the year, hot and humid. There is a lot of dust during the dry season. When it rains many roads are difficult to navigate. Local health services are limited to routine care. Most MCC staff prefer to go to Nairobi for health care. Southern Sudan is predominately Christian and there are many churches in Juba and in Southern Sudan. Transportation to work is usually available. Within Juba public transportation is available but unreliable. Juba is best suited for a single person or a couple without children.MCC Team meets twice a year and joins a regional Mennonite retreat in Kenya around Christmas.
Challenges:
Electricity is available by city supply or generator. Water supply is good and mobile phones are in use along with internet services. Housing will be of basic, cement block construction with tin roofs. Transport will be by road or by air. Generally speaking security is good in Southern Sudan. 1) The weather in Southern Sudan is hot and often humid. 2) Processes in Sudan often move slowly - need to be patient and happy with small successes. 3) Access to imported foods and consumer goods are limited. Availability of food is sufficient but some basic and special items may need to be personally catered for. 4) Travel is difficult - roads are rough and in some cases nonexistent. 5) Juba has a strong security presence. There are occasional out-breaks of violence but many factors work to hold the peace.
Here a link to MCC's Page on the Sudan The work in the Sudan |
Post A
Comment! ::
Send to a Friend! ::
|
Comments
|
|
|
Last Page | Next Page
|
