Why not MS Sudan?

After seeing what intercultural co-operation can bring in terms of skills and development, Taban Roy, acting general secretary with New Sudan Student Association (NESSA), shares his experiences and asks the above question

The rain was pouring its blessings heavily on the small town of Yei in south Sudan. I hardly sat for duty given the low temperature.

The Danes do not take it likewise. To my surprise, I could see the MS Uganda development workers, running up and down, stopping momentarily as remote controlled robots we always watch in movies, amidst the dense populated Christ the King Primary School pupils. They were in business.

Comments swept the air: “But what is wrong with these whites? Can’t they mind of the rain?” Before I could exchange sufficient greetings with the Danes an envelope had reached my hand. This time it was from Recreation and Development for Peace (RDP) in Masindi inviting four NESSA members for youth leader education training.

It was all that we needed. A long and tedious journey brought us to Masindi. To our pride, another Dane, Mr. Mads Benedictus Jørgensen, drove in, welcomed us and within no time we were heading towards the training venue, leaving us quenching our dry, dust-invaded throats. Our hosts showed hospitality, only that they were fond of asking about the security situation and other war-related questions – it bores somehow.

Classes commenced with introduction to RDP. What followed was too interesting. It was like showers of blessing and hope. Later, after spending the good part of two weeks preparing for a fieldwork in Pakanyi sub-county, we felt confident enough to perform to the best in drama, gymnastics and Lango traditional dance.

This time the ride was short and pleasant. Funny enough, non-Masindians like us expected to perform in a classic hall. We were wrong! The driver turned the minibus into what looked like at mere path only to find our selves in a flat freshly slashed ground. The ceremony for opening Pakanyi Recreation Ground started in Kinyoro language adding to our disappointment. Attempts were made to translate the speech for the Tanzanians and Sudanese.

We, the Sudanese, took on to the stage. But our followers on stage gave a distinct challenge. The locals demonstrated rather unique skills in music, dance and drama. Wonderful indeed, the drama does not require more translation – our eyes serve both senses of hearing, seeing and guessing the meaning of the drama.

I could not imagine young people so talented. When all the groups had performed, our Sudanese position was clearly doubtful. Comparing, I was tempted to say that God is unjust. Hence, I decided to ask RDP manager Mr. Ameare how they had developed these skills in youth.

“Here people have time to learn and develop, unlike in Sudan where the vital knowledge is how to hide and dodge bullets”, he said.

It was a perfect answer. I kept on admiring what was on stage, trying to conceive the methodology.

How I wish to learn more and apply it in our organisation. If all MS Uganda partners have to compete, RDP could go for gold.

Shall one of the pleasant historic scenarios at the dawn of the peace in Sudan be the establishment of MS Sudan?

The letter has been shortened by the editor