SUPPLY TO THE NUBA MOUNTAINS.
The welfare of the Nuba people is our daily concern – therefore we are very pleased to share the following news with you! Under very dangerous circumstances, we delivered much-needed humanitarian supplies to Mendes’ village of Karko and the surrounding area. The trip has made us all more aware of the ongoing conflict and the resulting suffering of the innocent population. In addition, the intangible benefits such as the increase in our experience, reputation, networking with our partners and trust are invaluable. Due to the ongoing conflict, it has been very discouraging for us in recent years. We could do nothing but wait for a favourable opportunity. It is therefore all the more pleasing that we were able to seize the opportunity immediately. Mende describes the current situation as follows: “The destruction of the schools in the Nuba Mountains is a result of the Sudan government. At the moment it is not possible for me to build a new school. Medical care had priority. In the future, when peace is settled, we hope to be able to build a new school…” The journey took shape after Mende Nazer and her long-time friend Baroness Caroline Cox (a member of the British House of Lords who assisted Mende in her escape to freedom) reunited and agreed to be partners in this extraordinary mission. They were accompanied by the Baron’s supporter David Thomas (friend of Caroline Cox), Caroline Clegg (MNF member) and John Miles (documentary film maker and photographer).
We supplied the people in the Nuba Mountains with 200kg of medicine for:
• bacterial infections
• anti-malaria
• Worm infestation
• Pain and fever
A large amount of first aid supplies
• Diagnostic equipment
• Infection control
• Treatment of burns
• Fracture management
• Wound dressings
• Syringing
• First aid manuals
• Eye care
• Dental care
• Mobile solar collectors
• Millet grains and seeds for nutrition and future harvests
• Water pumps and motors for extracting well water
Photographer and filmmaker John Miles is currently editing the video footage of the trip. The first product is the slide show, which gives a first visual impression.
During Question Time in the House of Lords on 23 January 2017, Baroness Caroline Cox asked Her Majesty’s Government for their assessment of recent developments in Sudan. She also submitted a report on her visit. Excerpt from the report: “On this visit, Mende returned to the Nuba Mountains where she had a very poignant reunion with her people and her homeland. Filmmaker, John Miles, accompanied the visit to document Mende’s historic return, as well as the ongoing suffering of the people of the Nuba Mountains at the hands of the GOS. “The GOS will continue to conduct military offensives against innocent civilians through air strikes using Antonov, MiG and Suhoy aircraft. Ground offensives with Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) are causing death and injury to thousands. ” Caroline Clegg, friend and founding member, describes her experience: ” … I am still coming to terms with the countless experiences we had. It is a joy to see the success of the mission – helping Mendes village of Karko. The joy of seeing Mende with her people and the steep learning curve of skills and knowledge that allows us to strengthen our foundation. I have also personally learnt about logistics, politics and the relentless suffering of the people, not only from the Nuba Mountains but also in the Bhar – El – Ghazal region. The most important thing is to create strategies to build a development plan to help them in the long term. “This was a moving journey for me personally and for the Mende Nazer Foundation Now it is our task to shape the future carefully, with love and consideration. We will never match the courage of the Nuba or those in South Sudan; but I believe that we can be the wind beneath their wings to enable them to fly and live, because that is their right. ” Our success would not be possible without the help of the many donors! You should be proud and celebrate that your generosity was delivered to the Nuba people and brought hope! With your continued support, we will be successful in the coming years.