There is an energy at Loyola Secondary School (LSS) in Wau, South Sudan you can feel the moment you step onto campus. Students are passionate and proud of their school. It has become a safe space for learning and creativity, buzzing with activity. With over 500 students, Loyola has become a beacon of hope for marginalised communities since its founding – the school motto, “Light to the nations,” is fitting. It offers not only formal secondary education but also vocational training in masonry, tailoring, IT, mechanics and electric installation.
Raphaela is an inspiration to other students. Her smile is infectious. At just fifteen, getting ready for her final exams in Senior 4 (equivalent of our Junior Cert), she’s mastered the skills to tailor her own clothes – which she is keen to showcase for you in this photo.
Tailoring is her favourite part of the school day.
“I love designing different things. The school gives us so many opportunities to show our talent. They like us to be courageous and always encourage us to do more things! Everything! All the ideas we have…they support us.”
When she speaks about designing, her face lights up.
“I’ve liked designing since I was young. I like to design dresses, especially for girls. Not much design for boys” (laughing a little) “I like when I make a dress and when someone wears it – It looks nice! That’s why I like it so much!”
“I want to be a very good designer. Not just to sew clothes and work the machine but to design. To draw it and become a very famous designer.”
As we enter the Christmas season here in Ireland, Raphaela wants to share with you, how she intends to celebrate this Christmas with her family – her family will have chicken or goat for the Christmas dinner. At midnight, on Christmas Eve, “we celebrate Jesus’ birthday with a cake and candle at twelve o’clock. In the morning, we go to Church and pray. Here in South Sudan, you see, people – mostly children – they come and knock on the doors. They want sweets! Biscuits! And we distribute and share. That’s how people get happy here!”
Raphaela challenges us to replicate her generosity beyond our immediate families this Christmas, and extend that same warmth to our neighbours, those who live close by, and to our wider community. With reports of South Sudan on the brink of a new civil war, the Vice President under trial and house arrest, and aerial bombardment in some counties designated ‘hostile’ by the President, we still can hold onto the hope that Raphaela’s generation gives us – a generation so determined to build a better and brighter future.
This Christmas, you can help more students like Raphaela. By giving the Gift of a Bowl of Porridge, you provide children at Loyola with the daily nourishment to chase their dreams.
