Kiwis for South Sudan is celebrating a significant milestone this year: a decade as a registered charitable trust. Since our inception, the charity has made a profound impact on the lives of thousands in South Sudan, contributing over half a million dollars to help establish critical health and education initiatives. Founded by New Zealand doctors Jono and Destinee Macleod, the charity's mission has always been clear: to alleviate poverty and improve the well-being of South Sudanese communities.
The Journey of Kiwis for South Sudan
The journey began in 2014 when the Macleods moved to South Sudan to volunteer with In Deed And Truth Ministries (IDAT). They quickly recognised the urgent need for comprehensive healthcare support, especially for women and children. This realisation led to the founding of Kiwis for South Sudan. Your generous donations to Kiwis for South Sudan have enabled IDAT to extend their transformative programmes into almost 100 vulnerable communities in South Sudan.
Jono and Destinee, along with a dedicated team of IDAT staff and volunteers, have worked tirelessly to provide hospital services and health education, directly impacting the lives of over 50,000 mothers and children annually. Even after returning to New Zealand in December 2022, the Macleods continue to lead Kiwis for South Sudan operations, ensuring ongoing support for the communities they have come to love.
Key Initiatives and Achievements
Healthcare Services: One of the cornerstone projects has been the partnership with IDAT to provide essential medical services. This includes training local healthcare workers and improving health infrastructure. The charity has funded nursing and midwifery scholarships, supported the installation of a solar power system for reliable electricity to the hospital, maternal waiting homes for high-risk mothers, and donated crucial medical supplies. These efforts have already garnered donations totalling $219,000, directly benefiting healthcare in the region.
Clean Water Projects: Access to clean water is a basic human right that Kiwis for South Sudan has prioritised. The charity has supported 12 new water wells drilled by IDAT in the region surrounding Tonj, with many more in the pipeline, significantly reducing waterborne diseases and enhancing the quality of life for countless families. This initiative has received $115,000 in donations, underscoring the critical importance of clean water in community health.
Community Health Evangelist Programme (CHE): Launched in 2015 by Jono and IDAT team mates, the CHE programme focuses on disease prevention and community wellbeing. The program employs a holistic approach to community development, emphasising health education and spiritual growth. With over 4,500 volunteer health evangelists operating in nearly 100 villages, the CHE program has been transformative, spreading health literacy, providing clean water, and establishing community farms and schools.
A crucial aspect of the CHE programme is its spiritual component. CHE introduces the South Sudanese people to Jesus, spreads hope and love through spiritual lessons, and establishes Bible listening groups. It actively plants new churches and aims to bring health literacy and spiritual hope to generations in an effort to move people away from cycles of tribal conflict and revenge that have wreaked havoc for generations. Thousands of South Sudanese encounter God’s love each year through these efforts, fostering a sense of community and spiritual growth alongside physical well-being.
Community Engagement and Fundraising
The success of Kiwis for South Sudan is not just a testament to the dedication of its founders but also to the generosity of its supporters. The charity is entirely volunteer-run, ensuring that 100% of donations go directly towards funding and supporting its programmes in South Sudan. Events such as the Auckland Marathon Charity Run have been instrumental in raising awareness and funds. In 2024, participants will once again run to support the cause, aiming to replicate the success of previous years, where funds raised were used to install water wells and support healthcare initiatives.
Looking Forward
As Kiwis for South Sudan celebrates its 10th anniversary, we reflect on our achievements and look forward to expanding our impact, because there is so much more we can do. There are over 100 villages on the waiting list to join our CHE programme, and we would love to see each of these communities enjoying health, hope and wholeness as soon as possible.
With these ongoing projects and new initiatives on the horizon, there remains a continued need for support. The charity is calling on its community of donors, volunteers, and supporters to help extend its reach, ensuring that even more people benefit from essential health and education services.
This September the Macleods return to South Sudan for two weeks to continue to drive the impact that your donations fund.
The story of Kiwis for South Sudan is one of hope, resilience, and the transformative power of compassion. Through the tireless efforts of volunteers, the unwavering support of donors, and passionate work of our partner on the ground In Deed And Truth Ministries, the charity has made a lasting difference in one of the world's most vulnerable regions. As we celebrate this milestone, we do so with gratitude and a renewed commitment to our mission.
Thank you for your support! If you would like to help us to keep making a difference, you can donate here.
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