The Taiwan-based Buddhist humanitarian organization Tzu Chi Foundation has brought stability to two South Sudan schools by providing regular meals for students, and offering hope to communities still recovering from decades of conflict.

“In the challenging landscape of post-war South Sudan, where stability remains a precious commodity, the simple act of providing a meal can ignite profound hope,” Tzu Chi explained. “For the students of St. Bonny Boys’ School and St. Brigid Girls’ School, this hope has arrived through the consistent support of international compassion, ensuring that their educational journey continues despite adversity.” (Tzu Chi Foundation)

The Buddhist Compassion Relief Tzu Chi Foundation, Republic of China, more widely known as the Buddhist Tzu Chi Foundation, was founded in Taiwan in 1966 by the Buddhist nun and Dharma teacher Master Cheng Yen. With a focus on “putting compassion into action,” the Buddhist Tzu Chi Foundation is a UN-accredited NGO with some 10 million supporters and 432 offices worldwide across 51 countries, undertaking regular activities in the fields of humanitarian aid, medical care, education, and environmental sustainability.

Children in South Sudan faces numerous hurdles in life that prevent them from receiving the kind of education that might change their lives. When communities struggle to access basic necessities, including food, learning becomes nearly impossible.  

Recognizing this critical need, Tzu Chi Foundation has extended compassionate support to the South Sudan Catholic education system. Ensuring that children have access to stable meals at school, the key hurdles of food insecurity is addressed, allowing children to concentrate on their studies rather than hunger.

“The long-standing collaboration between the supporting teams and Catholic educators has transcended conflict and hardship, safeguarding the future of South Sudan’s children with compassion from around the world,” Tzu Chi noted. “Both St. Bonny Boys’ School and St. Brigid Girls’ School have sent letters expressing their deep gratitude and blessings for the continued assistance. This collective effort underscores a shared commitment to fostering an environment in which every child has the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive, turning challenges into stepping stones for a brighter tomorrow.”

Conveying appreciation for Tzu Chi’s compassion, Principal Eric of St. Bonny Boys’ School remarked on the transformative effect of the regular meals. Tzu Chi had brought a sense of normalcy and security that was often absent in the lives of the students, he said, creating an environment where learning could flourish, and cultivating hope for a brighter future.

Principal Consolata at St. Brigid Girls’ School also reported significant changes in the lives of her 1,174 students. Tzu Chi had not only brought hope to the children, she shared, but had even inspired parents to allow more girls to enroll in school.

“Thanks to the timely assistance, students are no longer hungry, they are healthy and energetic, and their academic performance has noticeably improved,” Principal Consolata added. (Tzu Chi Foundation)

“Many girls in South Sudan face immense challenges, including hunger, the risk of child marriage, and insecurity, which often prevent them from attending school,” Tzu Chi explained. “St. Brigid Girls’ School has become a sanctuary for these young learners. Even during holidays, the school carefully shelters 350 girls who cannot return home due to family issues, security concerns, or the threat of child marriage.” (Tzu Chi Foundation)

Principal Consolata voiced gratitude, emphasizing that “without the loving support of Tzu Chi and global donors, the very existence of this school would be uncertain.” (Tzu Chi Foundation)

She highlighted that Tzu Chi’s contributions had become “a crucial pillar for the children’s safe growth and the blossoming of their dreams, allowing the power of love to shine in one of South Sudan’s most marginalized areas.” (Tzu Chi Foundation)

As a global icon of socially engaged Buddhism, Master Cheng Yen has expressed a deeply held belief that all people are capable of manifesting the same great compassion as the Buddha. She has noted that true compassion is not simply feeling sympathy for the suffering of others, but is found in reaching out to relieve suffering with concrete action.

Master Cheng Yen is popularly known in Taiwan as one of the “Four Heavenly Kings” of Buddhism, the others being: Master Sheng Yen, founder of Dharma Drum Mountain; Master Hsing Yun, founder of Fo Guang Shan; and Master Wei Chueh, founder of Chung Tai Shan. These four global Buddhist orders, correspondingly known as the “Four Great Mountains,” have grown to become among the most influential Chinese Buddhist organizations in the world.

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Tzu Chi Foundation
Tzu Chi USA
South Sudan schools receives vital food aid (Tzu Chi Foundation)

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