By Felix Omollo

Since the conflict in Sudan erupted in 2023, more than 1.3 million refugees and returnees have crossed into South Sudan, with Renk in Upper Nile state serving as the main entry point.
They continue to arrive at the Renk Transit Centre, which was established by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees in 2024. As of May 14, 2026, the centre was hosting 8,205 individuals, almost three times its intended capacity.
Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS) South Sudan has been responding to the humanitarian crisis with support from Canadian Jesuits International and the Xavier Network. Today, JRS continues to provide critical social services to people at the transit centre and in new settlement sites. In 2025 alone, JRS provided 1,606 individuals with individual counseling and 850 children and youth with recreational activities. About 40 teachers received English classes; 550 adolescent girls were provided with sanitary kits. JRS built two latrines and five handwashing facilities in schools.

Here are two stories that demonstrate the impact of JRS’ work:

Martin Adiang sought refuge in Sudan during the conflict in South Sudan in 2013. He found a teaching job in Khartoum. However, when Sudan experienced its own crisis in 2023, he was forced to abandon his job and flee to Renk. Adiang then began volunteering as a teacher at a JRS-supported primary school. He also enrolled in English courses provided by JRS and consistently topped the assessments and final exams. Recognizing his talent, the Lutheran World Federation (LWF) recruited him to teach English in LWF-supported primary schools. He continues to advance his English studies and expresses deep gratitude to JRS for restoring purpose to his life.

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Nadia Ishag fled to Renk with her young son after her husband and other children were brutally murdered in front of her in 2023.  Overcome by grief, anger, and despair, she shut down, unable to express her suffering.  A friend encouraged her to seek help from the JRS mental health and psychosocial support team. Initially, she was too overwhelmed to speak, but she found the strength to share her ordeal through continued participation and listening to other people’s experiences. With JRS support, Ishag regained emotional stability and a renewed sense of purpose. She now works with a JRS partner NGO and encourages others to seek support. “Sometimes, the simple act of listening and being heard can bring comfort and healing in times of loss and grief,” she said.

Felix Omollo is Project Director at Jesuit Refugee Service-South Sudan.