* Any views expressed in this article are those of the author and not of Thomson Reuters Foundation.
THOUSANDS of returnees to Africa’s newest state South Sudan, are in urgent need of aid, warn global children's NGO, Plan International.
“Returnees are in real need now. Thousands of people are crossing into South Sudan every week with little else except their belongings on their backs. They are in dire need of food, clean water and shelter”, says Plan’s Country Director Fikru Abebe.
Plan will distribute food and recovery kits to over 100,000 people, along with seeds such as maize to communities who are hosting the returnees. Boreholes and wells will be rehabilitated to ensure access to clean water to avoid the spread of disease.
“This mass influx of people has put severe pressure on existing communities and commodities. Food prices have reached new highs in some areas and we need to protect new and existing communities from shortages and hunger”, says Mr. Abebe. “Shopkeepers and communities have reported a rise of 50% in the price of basic food and household items.”
Ensuring that children have access to quality education both in short and long term are priorities for this new state, say Plan experts. Some 90,000 children will benefit from a school feeding programme and temporary learning centers will be erected and kitted out so that returnees do not lose out on vital schooling.
In addition to emergency supplies, Plan is working to ensure that children living in temporary accommodation are protected and can move without fear to their new surroundings. Child friendly spaces are being created where children can play and learn in safety.
To donate to Plan’s emergency appeal for South Sudan please go to www.plan-international.org
Editor's notes:
· Over the past five years Plan has been working with the South Sudan government to rebuild the country after more than two decades of civil war killed two million people and displaced four million
· One hundred and fifty students have now enrolled at the Plan supported $4.2 million landmark Juba Technical High School, which provides marginalised communities - especially young people and former child soldiers - with skills training in subjects from electronics to hospitality
For More Information contact:
Louise Finan, Press Officer, Plan International
louise.finan@plan-international
+44 (0)77080 98288
Skype:louisefinan
Or
Lillian Omariba, Regional Media Specialist, Region of Eastern and Southern Africa, Plan International
Lillian.omariba@plan-international.org
+254 (0) 715 552 476
