A new national movement of Compassion Connectors has been launched in South Sudan.
Meeting against the backdrop of an ongoing civil war in neighboring Sudan, the Compassion Connectors of South Sudan came together to affirm their commitment to a future in which all Sudanese people can feel valued, cared for, and supported.
In attendance at the launch, which took place in Northern Bahr el Ghazal State, were government officials, religious leaders, and teachers as well as members of the community.
Under the guidance of National Coordinator James Akoon Akot the attendees began to formulate their vision for a compassionate Sudan. They discussed projects including supporting people experiencing homelessness, creating a welcoming space for refugees, and encouraging daily acts of compassion such as speaking to strangers and people who are isolated.
It is hoped that by bringing together communities for joint action, Compassion Connectors South Sudan can provide a buffer against some of the fallout of the civil war in Sudan which has seen millions of refugees flee into their country, energy supplies disrupted, and food and water depleted.
Sudan’s Civil War has raged since April 2023 when two factions of the military began hostilities. So far an estimated 15,000 people have died and over 10 million made homeless as a result of the fighting.
One attendee at the launch said:
“I plan to continue practicing compassion and to make it a regular part of my life by setting aside time each week to engage in acts of kindness and to reflect on the impact it has on myself and others.”