County Marks Christmas with Community Outreach

(YEI RIVER COUNTY) – The leadership of Yei River County has carried out a Christmas and New Year outreach programme to prisons, health facilities, and an orphanage as part of efforts to support vulnerable groups during the festive season.

The outreach was led by the Commissioner of Yei River County, who also serves as the SPLM County Chairperson, together with party officials, elders, and community leaders. The delegation visited Yei Prison, police custody facilities, Yei Civil Hospital, and Kikiji National Orphanage Centre.

During the visits, food items and other essential supplies were delivered to inmates, patients, and children to mark the Christmas and New Year celebrations. County officials said the initiative was intended to show solidarity with vulnerable groups while reaffirming the commitment of local leadership to social welfare at a time when many families continue to face economic and humanitarian pressure.

Speaking at Kikiji National Orphanage Centre, the commissioner thanked members of the delegation and the orphanage management for the reception they received. He said the county government, working together with Central Equatoria State authorities, would seek ways to address some of the challenges facing the centre.

“The protection of children’s rights remains a priority for this administration,” the commissioner said. He warned that authorities would take action against individuals who unlawfully keep children who are not their biological dependents.

He also pledged county support to the orphanage, including the provision of agricultural tools during the next rainy season to help improve food production and promote longer term self reliance at the centre.

At Yei Civil Hospital, the Medical Officer, Dr Morbe Taban, welcomed the visit and described it as an important morale boost for patients and health workers. He said the presence of county leaders during the festive period encouraged both staff and those receiving treatment.

Dr Taban also reported positive health outcomes over the Christmas period. “According to our hospital records, no deaths were recorded in Yei during the Christmas celebrations,” he said.

At the orphanage, children shared their personal stories with the visiting leaders. Nine year old Silvia Blessing said she has lived at Kikiji National Orphanage Centre since early childhood and does not know her parents. She appealed for continued government support to ensure access to food, shelter, and education.

Thirteen year old Kelvin Data, who lost his father and now lives at the centre, said he hopes to become a pilot in the future. He said his dream is to one day help orphans and other vulnerable children facing similar challenges.

The founder of Kikiji National Orphanage Centre, Dominic from Wawa, called on the government to provide free education for orphans, saying the current economic situation has made it difficult to sustain the centre. He said the orphanage is currently caring for more than 120 children, many of whom face shortages of food and adequate shelter.

Agness Kiden, representing the SPLM Women’s League in Yei River County, encouraged the children to remain strong and committed to their studies despite the difficulties they face. She told them that education remains an important path to a better future.

Ale Satimon, the SPLM Secretary for Yei River County, said that with unity and collective effort, the ambitions of young people can be achieved. He also urged parents and guardians to take greater responsibility for their children in order to reduce the growing number of street children in the county.

Noel Malish, a Member of Parliament representing Mugwo Constituency, encouraged the children at the orphanage to value education and discipline. He told them to see learning as the foundation of their future and to maintain hope and good conduct in their daily lives.

County officials said the outreach reflects a broader effort by the Yei River County leadership to remain close to communities and to address social needs alongside development priorities.

Sites Visited During the Christmas Outreach