(ANS - Kakuma) - The Kakuma refugee camp continues to be overcrowded. The war in South Sudan continues to dictate the inflow of people who abandon everything and flee from violence. The Salesian missionaries are present and active in the camp. It was originally built for 120,000 people, but now has more than 180,000. The goal of the Salesians now is to offer new services and a professional school on a plot adjacent to the camp. So far, they only have the land, due to a lack of investment.

Although in smaller numbers than a year ago, the people continue to arrive at the Kakuma camp from South Sudan to escape the war. It is a situation that depends entirely on the fighting in the neighbouring country. When fighting begins again the number of people arriving increases. At the same time, tension increases in the area, which is home to many people of tribes at war with each other.

To cater for new refugees arriving, an area called Kakuma 4 adjacent to the camp has been cleaned up. In this area there are no services and organizations who work there are trying to build the necessary infrastructure. The Salesians were assigned a plot near one of the chapels, to start a vocational training centre.

Currently the Salesians have the land but it still has to be fenced off. They need to erect some buildings and get machines and equipment. After consultation with the refugees, they have decided to start with classes for adults in carpentry, welding, sewing and English. At present there is no common form of communication between refugees of different nationalities who come to the camp.

The Salesians consider it urgent to find the funds to build workshops and classrooms and equip the new emergency centre for refugees with appropriate materials.

They say, "When we see so many young people in the camp who have nothing to do but run around aimlessly, we know they will end up in trouble. To avoid violence, we are aware that we have to bring all the services to the refugees as soon as possible."

Published 27/03/2015