The Catholic parish of Gumbo, in the outskirts of Juba, started today a two-week holiday fest to engage children that otherwise would be playing in the streets after schools closed for summer holiday.
Fr. Johnson Paulraj, a Salesian of Don Bosco working in Gumbo parish, told SCR News that 100 to 150 kids who finished school and wonder around in the streets or in the bush chasing for rats or births are expected to attend the Summer Fest.Fr. Johnson said the participants will have lessons on their mother tong (Bari, Dinka, Nuer, Acholi, Peri and Lutuko), Arabic and English, religious education, handicrafts and electricity among other subjects.
They will also spend time learning and playing new games like chess.
Fr. Johnson said the program runs from 9 AM up to 2 PM from today until February 14.
He added that the youth of Gumbo parish will teach the kids as volunteers after more than 10 meetings of preparation.