Yenet: Raising a generation of Hope

We are partnering with Milton and Scovia Mansuk and helping them to launch Yenet Ministries as they serve South Sudanese refugees and northern Ugandans. Here is a little about Yenet as well as a few recent opportunities that have opened for them.

We firmly believe that God has called us to spread His name throughout South Sudan, recognizing that this is a vital component in bringing genuine transformation and lasting peace to the country.

We started Yenet which is a ministry whose primary focus is on empowering the youth, women, and the church through intentional discipleship, leadership, peace building, and economic empowerment. We believe these are fundamental elements of nation-building and holistic transformation.

The South Sudan civil war, stretching over two agonizing decades, has left a lasting impact, particularly on the lives of women and children. Trapped amidst such adversity, trauma, and hopelessness, youth have resorted to destructive coping mechanisms, such as drug abuse, theft, prostitution, teenage pregnancy, early marriage, and even involvement in gang activities. We firmly believe that these young individuals can transform into valuable, Christ-centered leaders who will drive positive change and foster holistic transformation in their families, communities, and throughout South Sudan.

Women have endured immeasurable suffering, their spirits broken, their hopes shattered, trapped in poverty's merciless grip, and denied the chance to receive an education. They now find themselves as single mothers, burdened with the responsibility of meeting their children's needs, while shouldering the weight of their dreams and future. Through specialized training in business, discipleship, and leadership, these resilient women can triumph over poverty's chains. They can become empowered vessels of God, nurturing both the physical and spiritual well-being of their families, while playing an indispensable role in the reconstruction of their beloved nation.

On July 9, 2023, more than 1000 South Sudanese students gathered from over 10 high schools across Gulu in Northern Uganda to celebrate South Sudan's 12th Independence Day. Their ages ranged from 16 to 20 years, and I felt deeply honored to be invited as one of the speakers. In my address, I emphasized that the future of our beloved nation rests firmly in the hands of its young people, who are filled with passion, vision, dreams, energy, and potential. We must embrace this responsibility with unwavering determination and channel our collective energy toward building our nation. The time for action is now. 

We cannot afford to wait until we return home to start this crucial task, nor should we merely hope for change to happen on its own or come from elsewhere. It is up to us to take charge and begin building the country of our dreams where we can all live in peace. I stressed the urgency for young people, refugees, and students, both in Gulu and across Uganda, whether in refugee settings or outside refugee camps, to rise above the challenges we face every day and the barriers that seek to divide us, such as tribe, ethnicity, and other divisive elements. Our strength lies in unity, and together, we can build a new South Sudan that fulfills the dreams and aspirations of all its people.

I urged the students to prioritize God in their lives, work diligently in school, and make the best use of their time there. Every moment spent in school is an opportunity for growth and learning. Furthermore, I committed myself to stand alongside them, creating opportunities for healing and growth, and fostering a movement of Christ-driven leaders who will be catalysts for real change in their families, communities, and South Sudan as a whole.

During the gathering, we were joined by the team from our South Sudan consulate, Gulu district leaders, various school administrators, parents, and community leaders. After the event, I was thanked for my address to the students, and Yenet received an invitation from the school leaders and the South Sudan consulate in Northern Uganda to provide mentorship and engage with the students more regularly.