Residents with Disabilities in South Sudan's Yambio Seek Government Support

Simon Ngbizeriyo, who has been living with paraplegia, a condition resulting in the loss of muscle function in the lower half of the body, including both legs, relies on sewing traditional hats and repairing shoes to make a living.

"I do all these things so that it can help me," Ngbizeriyo said. "I use this talent so that it can help me in the future because I do not have other ways (to make money). God gave me this talent to be doing it to help myself, and organizations that know where we are and the things we do, they will come and buy, and it helps us."

Yambio resident, Luka James, who has been living with a disability since birth, earns a livelihood by repairing shoes. But James says the income generated is insufficient to meet his needs, leaving him to rely on handouts from sympathetic individuals to purchase food.

James told VOA he is appealing to the state government for the provision of wheelchairs to enhance mobility.

Sarah Yotoma, a mother of four also living with a disability, crafts necklaces, bracelets, and earrings from beads as a means of earning a living. She, however, laments her inability to afford school fees for her children.

"I tried with one, but I cannot continue with the other three children," Yotoma said, adding, "It is only me trying, but I do not have many ways since I am living with a disability, and even feeding (the children) is difficult."

The Minister of Gender, Child, and Social Welfare in Western Equatoria State Cecilia Anigunde told VOA the government is concerned for individuals with disabilities but cited insufficient funding as a primary challenge.

"The government is looking forward to visiting them in their center, but the challenge is a lack of funding to do the job well," Anigunde states. "It is not difficult for the government to give support, but they are hoping to see changes soon and get some funding to help people living with disabilities."

Since 2005, a Lutheran Church outreach program called Hands of Mercy has been providing skills training to people living with disabilities in Western Equatoria.

Peter Anibati Abia, the Bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in South Sudan and Sudan, emphasizes the church's commitment to helping vulnerable groups attain self-sufficiency.

"Our church decided to start this center where people with disabilities can gather and learn skills through which they can use to sustain themselves," Abia explains. "We teach them the word of God, language skills, especially English, and how they can start small businesses to sustain their lives."

Abia emphasizes that the center is open to all people living with disabilities, regardless of the nature or timing of their disability.

The Hands of Mercy Center is funded by a Lutheran church deaconess from a partner church in the United States of America.

Stephen Jason Parese, Acting Manager of Hands of Mercy, highlights the challenges faced by the center, including insufficient space, a lack of government support, and a dearth of partnerships.

"We are facing so many challenges here because people living with disabilities are not able to do anything," Parese states.

"Some of us grew up with no legs. We do not have enough room, and we do not have partnerships. Since we opened this place, the government did not visit us here, so we depend on ourselves. We appeal to NGOs who need to support us; the way is free for them. Let them come and see our office and visit us. We also want unity; segregation is not better."

Parese, who learned the English language at the center, is currently pursuing further education by enrolling in a diploma course in nursing.

Joice Aggie, the manager at Hands of Mercy Home for people with disabilities, conveys the gratitude of those they serve and appeals to the government for increased support.

"As a person looking after people with disabilities, I am here to let you know that people living with disabilities are very grateful," Aggie states. "They thank me and thank their God all the time. Since you do not experience it firsthand like me, I want to voice it to our government by appealing to them to look after people with disabilities. We also thank everyone who gives support on the road. Sometimes when we are walking, people feel pity and give support with some money."

Aggie, who has been providing meals for disabled individuals three times a week for the past five years, finds fulfillment in serving people with disabilities.

The Hands of Mercy Centre for people living with disabilities offers training in tailoring, shoe repair, and handicrafts, enabling vulnerable individuals in Yambio to earn a living. Approximately 4.8 percent of South Sudan's population lives with a disability.