Just weeks after bishops warned that militant attacks in central Africa were spiralling out of control, an armed group killed children at a school in Uganda as they were singing their evening prayers.
The rebels killed 38 students, a school security officer, and three others, while also kidnapping six pupils. This incident follows a warning by bishops in the region about the escalating violence caused by
extremist groups. They highlighted the dire security situation, resulting in widespread displacement and a humanitarian crisis of famine, disease, and death.
The affected areas are rich in natural resources, attracting armed militias who capture territories and exploit valuable resources, such as coltan. The bishops condemned companies profiting from this exploitation.
According to the bishops, armed militias have captured key territories and are exploiting valuable resources. The bishops said:“Misery has taken up residence everywhere in a country that is potentially very rich… but with a truly miserable people.”
The militants responsible for the school massacre are believed to have pledged allegiance to the Daesh (Islamic State). Meanwhile, another rebel group, the March 23 Movement, has intensified its insurgency in mineral-rich regions of the DRC. Please read more here.
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| PLEASE SUPPORT SUFFERING CHRISTIANS |
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Students and staff from the Jesuit schools.
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ACN Campaign Lebanon
Educating Refugee Children
Almost 200 Syrian refugee children have received schooling at Jesuit-run institutions in Lebanon’s Bekaa Valley – with support from ACN. It is vital that young people do not fall behind in their education while they are living as refugees – and the schools also provide Christian students with catechesis in their Faith.
Fr Marek Cieslik SJ said: “On behalf of these girls and boys whose situation is very difficult, on behalf of their families and all people working in our schools, I would like to thank you very much”.
Support Syrian refugee children's education in Lebanon's Bekaa Valley.
Help us provide education and faith guidance. Read more here! Please donate here.
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Syria: Solar Panel system for a school (with 675 students and 67 employees) in Hama, Syria
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ACN Projects
Syria: Solar Panels for a local school - Can you help?
Hama in Syria was impacted by the February earthquake. The electricity supply is patchy and even with generators as emergency back-up, power outages disrupt lessons and cause huge frustration at a local secondary school. In a country decimated by war, poverty, COVID-19 and now the earthquake, education is the only way for children to have a chance in life. Solar panels will provide a constant, reliable and environmentally friendly source of energy. Could you, your parish, school or group help crowdfund this month’s project to meet its 31st July 2023 deadline?
For more details read more here. To discuss the project and pledge your gift, contact Christine Kennedy at projects@acnuk.org
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ACN Scotland Events
ACN in Scotland’s Benefactors Event
Carfin Grotto Hall, Taylor Avenue, Motherwell, ML1 5AJ
20th July 2023 12 pm – 4 pm
We invite you to join us for our Benefactors Event. Our guest speaker this year will be Patience Bonita, originally from Kaduna State, northern Nigeria, who works for The Kukah Centre as their National Assembly Desk Officer. For the past eight years, Patience worked for ACN (USA), and has focused on interviewing those
who suffered persecution under Boko Haram in Nigeria and sought refuge in displacement camps. She has also interviewed ex-Boko Haram members, Fulani herdsmen, and victims of kidnapping. Patience will share their stories with us. The afternoon will include a light lunch and conclude with a visit to the Reliquary and a short prayer service at the grotto.
To reserve your spot and book your tickets click here.
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