2024
Six Secondary Schools Commence Mock Examinations with 35 Seminarians Taking Part
Six Secondary Schools Commence Mock Examinations with 35 Seminarians Taking Part
By Baraka John
In a collaborative effort to enhance the readiness of senior four candidates for the upcoming National Examination, thirty-five seminarians from St. Joseph Minor Seminary have joined a cohort of 205 students sitting for mock examinations at Kings College in Yambio. The examinations commenced this morning29th July 2024 with the English language paper, marking the start of a rigorous assessment period.
Six secondary schools are participating in this year’s mock exams: Kings College, the host, St. Joseph Minor Seminary, Bangasi Academy, Franco Phone, Yambio Model, and Naduru Evening Secondary School.
Mr. Amati Henry, the chairperson of the mock examination committee and head teacher at St. Joseph Minor Seminary, spoke to Anisa Radio about the importance of these exams noting that “The mock examination was initiated last year by teachers from four secondary schools in the area. This year, we have seen an increase in the number of schools registered to participate, stressing that mock exams are very essential to assess and gauge the level of preparation for the National Examination,” he explained.
Henry also added that the mock examination will allow candidates to assess their readiness and identify areas where they may need to intensify their efforts. “It’s the same purpose for which we have done this year. We like the candidates to prove themselves, justify themselves, and assess whether they have prepared enough to sit for the National Examination. So, in an event when a candidate is not prepared, there is still room for that candidate to double efforts to do more.”
The same sentiment was echoed by the candidates themselves, who recognized the value of this preparatory exercise. Gaaniko Emmanuel Henry, a student from Kings College, described the mock examination as a crucial step in understanding the format and difficulty of the National Examination. “The first paper was good because it was an English language. When you go for mock, you assess your ability to see if you are going to do well in the national examination,” he said.
Tandu Jennifer Luize Mukanga, a candidate at Yambio Model, also acknowledged the importance of mock exams as essential tools for preparation. “Mock exams help us prepare for the South Sudan Secondary School Certificate Leaving Examination. They give us a clue on how the National Examination will be set and help us improve our readiness,” she noted.
2023
Celebration of Sacred Heart of Jesus at Mid-West Holy Spirit Deanery and Mid-East Deanery
In preparation for the celebration of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, Fr. Charles Mbikoyo, the Parish Priest of Our Lady of Assumption, Riimenze parish organized a workshop for the devotee of the Sacred Heart of Jesus to equip them with the knowledge about the Sacred Heart of Jesus.
The facilitators Mr. Kpatamara and Mr. Justine reminded the devotee of the Sacred Heart of Jesus on the importance of their group in the Catholic Church.
Fr. Mbikoyo further express he wishes that all the devotional groups should have a bond of understanding between them and the parish as well as with other devotional groups so that the work of God can move forward, and not bring segregation amidst themselves.
Mrs. Marriana one of the devotees extended her happiness for the lesson she had acquired from the workshop adding that she would Wish that it can continue like that so that those Who have left may return to their group to do the work of God.
She further thanked the Parish Priest for the love he has shown to different devotional groups.
In his reflection to the hundreds of Sacred Hearts of Jesus devotees and Christians, Fr. Abbas looked at Jesus as the best ruler who loves his subjects and delegates power to them to act in his name. He added that the call and choice of the 12 tribes of Israel by God and the 12 apostles by Christ are symbolic in our calls today to serve God in different ways and in various apostolic groups.
He challenged the devotees to know whether they will fulfill all their vows to the Lord and to serve the Lord diligently through their brother and sister.
The Hon. County Commissioner who was in attendance advised the Christians to work hard in order to produce more food to combat the high inflation in the markets and to remain faithful in their undertakings.
2023
“Perseverance is One of the Secrets of Success”, Bishop of Hiiboro’s Message to Students of CUSS Yambio Campus
By Sr. Henriette Anne FSSA
Bishop Hiiboro Eduardo Kussala, the Bishop of CDTY who doubles as the patron of the Catholic University of South Sudan’s St. John’s Yambio Campus, located in the city of Yambio in his message to students of the Catholic University of South Sudan, Yambio Campus said that “perseverance is one of the secrets to success”, stressing that the roads may be rough and zigzag but they must reach the top.
“Perseverance is one of the secrets of success. If we keep moving towards our goal, never quitting, we shall eventually reach it, as the St. John’s Campus’ motto: “Semper Sursum”- “Aim Always High” points to each one, especially you students”.
In his message signed on 17th June 2023, Bishop Hiiboro acknowledged the importance of governors of all kinds including the student council since the role they play in offering support is crucial.
“Governors of all kinds including of students are critical in the life of a learning Institution. While they are not frontline staff, the role they play in supporting the education offered is crucial. They have four core functions: 1. Ensuring clarity of vision, ethos, and strategic direction; 2. Holding executive leaders to account for the educational performance of the organization and its students, and the performance management of staff; 3. Overseeing the financial performance of the organization and making sure its money is well spent; 4. Ensuring the voices of school stakeholders are heard. This role you squarely share in it as well”.
In so doing, he said “Student Plenary Assembly is a moment of grace, a celebration of hope, and a conviction of God’s enduring accompaniment. Like the disciples with Mary in the Upper Room, we were bonded in one common faith, one baptism, and one Lord. Despite our differences, which were many and intense at times, we came together with the best interest of the Church at heart”.
According to the prelate, the values of brotherhood, unity, justice, and peace in the present day are deteriorating, posing a challenge to students on what they can do to reverse the situation. He continued, “lack of God-fearing leaders – less integrity and poor option for honesty, who is going to change this trend?
Addressing the need for a better environment, the bishop said, “on ecology, there is a recognition of the urgency in addressing the environmental crises of our times and a commitment to join the Laudato Si’ Action Plan that I have repeatedly echoed from our Pope. I need you our students and staff to become believers in this. A hoe in One Hand theory. This call to action obliges us not only to care for our common home as a matter of planetary sustainability but also to a sense of God-given stewardship. Our response to the cry of the poor and the cry of the earth is inextricably linked together”.
Consequently, he cautioned the students to avoid laziness and idle conversation which can not put food on their tables, and pleaded with them to change, be creative, and take positive initiative.
He echoed the Gospel message further, “I ask you to be Peace agents or activists! Jesus said, “I leave you peace, my peace I give to you.” Indeed, he was speaking of peace, which the world cannot give. Each individual must find time to experience that peace, being united with God. When such an individual who finds inner peace, shares that peace with the other, our earth will become a holy place to live in”.
He finally recognized the services rendered by the pioneers, saying, “Here I want to place on record the selfless and untiring services rendered by Rev. Fr. Maurice Ibiko the Director and Rev. Fr. Joseph Andrea Mbuniwia, Fr. Stefan Lecleir, and now Fr. Joseph Migidi along with the committed teaching and non-teaching members of the staff and all the co-workers of this Campus. I thank you all dear Students for your hard work and humility. Please love this University, you are the PIONEERS. Work hard and positively to leave LEGACY for centuries”.
2023
Africano Mande Foundation (AMF) has Provided Agricultural Equipment to Support the Kwanga Cooperative Society
On Tuesday 30, 2023, Maridi, Western Equatoria State, South Sudan, Africano Mande Foundation (AMF) through the production and Livelihood project donated tools and equipment to Kwanga cooperative society to improve food security and livelihoods. The materials include; hoes, pangas, slashers, rakes, double axes, axes, spades, forked hoes spring rope nylons, raincoats, and gumboots.
In his speech at the distribution site, AMF head of livelihood and production, Hon. Enosa Sette Aguno, stresses that the farmers can not only get money from agriculture and supplement their income to send their children to school and live healthy lives. Essentially, he urges the farmers to be united and take good care of the agricultural tools adding that he is happy to see the youth as part of the cooperative society. Enosa appreciated the good work of the members and reminded them that they will benefit in the future.
On the other hand, the deputy chairperson of Kwanga cooperative society, Mr. Paul Razig Buwa applauds the AMF Department of Production and Livelihood for the provision of agricultural tools and called upon the organization to train them on modern farming methods.
Kwanga cooperative society is a farmers’ group that comprises 32 members. The group is capable of producing tons of maize in a single season.
AMF is supporting similar groups in Mboruko, Muku, Nagbaka, and Modubai, all will receive the same support courtesy of the organization.
AMF is a non-political, non-governmental, and legacy foundation named after Africano Mande Gedima, the first Governor of Maridi state.