The Diocese of Yei is one of the 24 dioceses of the Episcopal Church of Sudan and is located in the southern tip of the country. It is made up of 6 Archdeaconries and includes the city of Yei and the surrounding ‘River Country’.
Prior to the outbreak of the civil war in 1983, Yei was a thriving town, benefiting from its proximity to the Ugandan and Congolese borders. But the 21-year conflict had a devastating impact on the town and the surrounding areas, destroying much of the infrastructure and bringing economic activities to a halt. Yei town was conquered by the Sudan People’s Liberation Army (SPLA) in 1997 and now acts as a local headquarters for the organisation.
With the signing of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement in 2005, Yei has witnessed signs of growth, both economically and in terms of its population. The road to the Ugandan border has been repaired, trade is on the increase and there has been a huge influx of people returning to Sudan after fleeing the country during the civil war. Many of these returnees have spent years living in refugee camps and have arrived in Yei with a range of complex social, physical and psychological needs. The Diocese of Yei is committed to addressing these needs.
The Programmes:
Education
In its 5 year strategy document entitled ‘Post War Response to Human Need’ the diocese has made Education one of its main objectives – specifically aiming to build a new school in each of its 6 Archdeaconries. The partnership with CMS Ireland is helping to realise this aspiration. In January 2007 CMS Ireland facilitated a visit to the Diocese of Yei Synod to officially affirm a 5 year link between the Diocese of Yei and the Diocese of Connor, while two neighbouring parishes in County Wicklow – Delgany and Kill O’ the Grange – are working together to fund one of the school buildings. These school building projects represent a practical investment in the future of the people of the Diocese of Yei.
Yei Vocational Training College
The YVTC was set up by the Episcopal Church of Sudan as a response to a shortage of technically skilled workers – who are vital to the recovery of post-conflict Southern Sudan. The college offers practical training opportunities, within a Christian context, to young men and women. Bishop Hilary chairs the management board of YVTC.
John Spens is the Coordinator of the college and is responsible for managing the four core programmes:
1. Vocational Training (Carpentry and Joinery; Building and Concrete Technology; Vehicle Mechanics and Driving Tuition)
2. Women’s Empowerment Programme for Transformation (craft skills and shop)
3. Micro Enterprise Programme
4. Furniture production workshop
Healthcare
Health Line Sudan is the diocese’s new health initiative and is currently being coordinated by Poppy Spens. With the help of funding from the Irish Government, a new Primary Health Care Centre was built in Yei as part of a pilot programme. In addition to providing quality healthcare, the centre will be used to train health professionals. The aim is to replicate this model in other parts of Sudan.
The Diocese also provide primary healthcare through the Martha Health Clinic. The clinic has recently seen significant development, including a refurbishment of the building, the recruitment and training of new staff and the introduction of new treatment protocols. Much of this work has been overseen by Poppy Spens. The changes have been extremely well received and highly successful, resulting in a tripling of patient numbers in a matter of months.
CMS Ireland also support Yei Diocese as they offer theological training through the Yei Laymen Training Centre and Bishop Allison Theological College.
