The local authorities and community of Lakes State’s Matangai Payam in Rumbek Central County on Monday welcomed the Coptic Orthodox Church Bishop of Khartoum and South Sudan, Anba Elia, to lay the foundation for the construction of a church, orphanage, and construction of two boreholes.
The prelate, while speaking at the function, beseeched and advised the local people to embrace education because it drives development.
“Education and the church make communities develop very fast and go forward,” he said. “The catholic and the orthodox church in Rumbek will work together for the development and education of the community.”
For his part, Rumbek Central County Commissioner Dut Manak told Radio Tamazuj that the local government and community gave sizable and good land to host a primary school, orphanage, and water yard.
“Even part of the land in my area has been offered because this project is in the interest of the community. We urge the people to work closely with government and organizations that wish us well,” he said. “This land was offered to the Orthodox Church so that they can offer services to the community. They have already started clearing the place and drilling boreholes. We appreciate this church-based organization for this support.”
Meanwhile, the paramount chief of the Nyang Community in the area, Mangar Dhal Manyiel, thanked Bishop Elia for bringing development to his area.
“We have been following up with the Orthodox Church to build us a school for the last years until the bishop gave it to us today. I thank the church and the intellectuals who followed it up,” he said. “We want many girls to enroll early because they grow fast and get married off early. When they start school late, they get married off in primary school before knowing the importance of education.”
“However, when girls start school early and get their periods in secondary school, they are mature at that time and know the importance of education,” Chief Dhal emphasized.
Peter Machar Agok who liaises between the church and the community, said the relevant government ministries surveyed and certified the land.