[Juba, South Sudan, TCT] The Good Shepherd College and Seminary (GSCS), an affiliate of the Good Shepherd Educational Foundation (GSEF) in Juba, South Sudan, held an in-service training of teachers and church leaders on Christian Education under the theme “Biblical Basis, Philosophy, and Mission Strategy”, part of the series of “Christ Above Culture: Transforming Societies Through Christian Witness.”

The seminar gathered over 60 participants from a diverse group of educators, including teachers and church leaders from various Christian-based schools and churches, to enhance Christian-centered teaching practices. The attendees represented institutions such as Good Shepherd Academy (GSA), an affiliate of GSEF, King's Secondary School, Jebel Christian Academy, and St. Peter's Primary School, along with several churches in Sherikat, Juba.

The participants began a day-long educational seminar with a devotional and a spiritually enriching, academically engaging program. The devotional session, led by The Rev. Josephine Mwangangi, Chaplain of the Chapel of the Good Shepherd (CoGS, an affiliate of the GSEF), guided the attendees through an opening prayer and Scripture reading, setting a session for worship and reflection for the day.

Fr. John C. Daau, an Anglican priest and founder & director of GSA and its affiliates, who also convened the seminar, delivered a homily, followed by remarks. His homily, from Acts 9:1-32 and 2 Tim 2:2, focuses on Scripture reflections that emphasize the importance of education in transforming and integrating faith into educational practices. Using apostle Paul as an example, “only a transformed educator can transform others,” he said.

In his welcoming remarks, Fr. John warmly invited the participants and facilitated introductions, fostering a sense of unity and shared purpose among the educators. He also served as a co-facilitator alongside Dr. Isaiah Majok Dau. Dr. Isaiah Dau, a retired General Overseer of the Sudan Pentecostal Church and a renowned author and evangelical theologian, delivered an insightful lecture on the biblical and historical foundation for education. The two led comprehensive sessions covering key aspects of Christian education, including the biblical foundation of education in the Old Testament and guidance on lessons from early missionary work. Among the key topics covered were the qualifications and roles of a Christian teacher/educator.

The seminar covered several key areas, including the difference between Christian and secular education, the philosophy behind Christian teaching, and effective mission strategies in schools. Emphasis was placed on equipping teachers with both spiritual and pedagogical tools to help students lead Christ-centered lives. Attendees were encouraged to promote values that point learners to Christ and glorify God, with moral honesty and a commitment to living by Christian principles.

Dr. Isaiah Dau emphasized the importance of continuous learning in the teaching profession, noting that “a good teacher is also a good student.” His message resonated strongly with participants, reinforcing the call for humility, growth, and dedication in the profession.

The seminar ended successfully, with participants expressing gratitude for the knowledge and insights gained while requesting more training for Christian teachers. Certificates of participation were awarded to all attendees in recognition of their commitment to advancing Christian education.

The initiative by GSCS reflects a growing effort within the Church and academic institutions in South Sudan to promote holistic education — one that nurtures both intellectual development and spiritual growth.

[Juba, South Sudan, TCT, By Philip Buda] The UK-Aid- funded Girls’ Education South Sudan (GESS) phase two program has kicked off its second round of cash transfers to girls in candidates classes including Primary 8, Senior 4 and primary 5 across the country. GESS, in May this year launched its second phase program with a budget of about 70 million Sterling Pounds which will be implemented in five years from 2019 to 2024. The first program budget was about £ 60 million which ended in 2018.

[Juba, South Sudan, TCT, By guest reporter, Philip Buda] South Sudan Library Foundation has opened the first public library in the country. The national non-governmental organization is working with support from donors, partners and well-wishers on initiative meant to help scholars in their research and to provide healing to the traumatized in the community.

[Mwaakilishi, Nairobi Kenya, John Wanjohi] US technology conglomerate, Cisco has appointed Kenyan Sally Kimeu as Country Leader and Regional Manager for its East Africa operations.

[Juba, South Sudan, ST] South Sudan and neighbouring Kenya have signed an agreement granting citizens from the two countries free visas.

The agreement, an official said, was inked last week.

[WASHINGTON - VOA by Ayen Bior] He was once called a Lost Boy but today, his official title is Councilor-Elect.

Chol Majok won the 3rd District Common Council seat in Syracuse, New York, this week, becoming the first former refugee in city history to do so, according to Onondaga County’s Board of Elections.

Majok arrived in Syracuse 18 years ago with other Lost Boys of Sudan -- a group of 20,000 boys who were displaced or orphaned during the second Sudanese civil war in which about 2 million were killed. He was 16 years old and anxious to begin building his life.

He lived in foster homes until he turned 18, and although he was there for just two years, he says the conditions he experienced in the system changed his life. Read more on VOA

[Chevenning] Dr Chuor de Garang Alier (MD, MMed-OBGY), an MSc student in Clinical Embryology at the Nuffield Department of Women’s and Reproductive Health, was given the top prize in awards which celebrate the academic achievements of African and Caribbean students in the UK.

[New York, USA, TCT] President of the United States Donald Trump wants nations of the world to bring to an end religious persecution.

“Today, with one clear voice, the United States of America calls upon the nations of the world to end religious persecution,” said the President during the Global Call to Protect Religious Freedom event at the United Nations, an article originally published in www.Caffeinatedthoughts.com.