Supporting Learning in South Sudan

Chaima Christian Institute, South Sudan,has received contributions towards a library project from Christians in the United Kingdom.

Chaima Christian Institute serves the Diocese of Maridi and offers courses in Theology, Professional Studies and Vocational Skills. The library is housed in a classroom, but the Institute has a vision for a larger purpose-built library costing £30,000.

To achieve this objective the Institute launched an appeal for funds in 2013. The goals were to purchase resources to support the curricula, particularly in Theology, Business Administration, and Development; purchase a computer; train members of staff; and catalogue the collection.

Members of the Librarians’ Christian Fellowship supported the Chaima project as part of their re-launch as Christians in Library and Information Services in April 2014. Members attending the re-launch conference raised £330 which has been passed to the Institute via the Church Mission Society.

Christian Book Promotion Trust, sponsors of Speaking Volumes, agreed a grant of £2000 towards the purchase of books for the library. This has been acknowledged by the Institute who say that this is the first substantial grant they have received. The money has been used to purchase text books for the library and the gift has been appreciated by students.

Canon Patricia Wick, a mission partner with the Church Mission Society, served as the Principal of Chaima Institute but retired in December 2014. Prayer is requested for the Institute as they appoint a new Principal and for Canon Wick as she seeks a new ministry in the United Kingdom.

Chaima Christian Institute Maridi can be contacted at P.O. Box 110, Juba, South Sudan and their web site is located at www.chaimamaridi.anglican.org Graham Hedges is the Secretary of Christians in Library and Information Services and a Trustee of the Christian Book Promotion Trust.