The Church of Ireland have announced the successful fundraising of €9,500, which will go towards sustainably equipping thousands of school children in South Sudan to learn how to grow their own food in school gardens.

The Lent initiative known as ‘Pancakes and Prayer’ has brought in enough money to provide food for almost 4,000 children in South Sudan for the next year. The fundraising project took place in Moneyreagh Community Church, County Down and was run by the Church of Ireland Youth Department (CIYD) and the Bishops’ Appeal for World Aid and Development. It encouraged youth groups and Sunday schools to get involved in praying for schools in South Sudan during Lent and raising funds, either through giving something up or by different initiatives within a parish or school community, to contribute to the fundraising.

The money raised is to be donated to the ‘Fields of Life’ organisation, which provides plants and equipment for school gardens in South Sudan. This not only teaches students how to grow their own food but also ensures that the school children will be fed each day. In a statement, the Church of Ireland shared that ‘as a result of the generosity of young people in Ireland, 3,980 children will now be fed.’

Another ‘Pancakes and Prayer’ fundraising campaign is planned for Lent next year, but this year, £8,300, equivalent to €9,500, was reported to have been raised in total, taking into account current exchange rates.

Words of encouragement for the fundraising project

National Youth Officer for the Church of Ireland, Simon Henry, remarked, ‘One of CIYD’s key tenets is partnership and it was brilliant to come together with Bishops’ Appeal and Fields of Life for this exciting project.

‘We were blown away by the level of participation from young people, clergy and youth leaders. From youth groups to schools to Sunday morning services, there was so much engagement from all corners of the Church of Ireland and it has really encouraged us all, seeing young people engaged in responding to this need and knowing the impact it will have for the schools and children in South Sudan.’

Bishops’ Appeal’s Education Advisor, Hilary McClay, also shared that Bishops’ Appeal was ‘delighted by the wonderful response to our ‘Pancakes and Prayer’ initiative, and encourages the young people of the Church of Ireland to continue to pray for the children in the schools in South Sudan.’

Naomi Campbell, Fields of Life’s Grants and Partnerships Manager, stated, ‘We are deeply grateful to the incredible young people across the Church of Ireland who took part in the Pancakes and Prayer Lent campaign. Your prayers and fundraising efforts are making a real and lasting difference for children in South Sudan. This is the world’s poorest country, where tragically over 70 per cent of children are out of school.

‘Since the start of the Thrive South Sudan project, the number of pupils across eight schools has increased by a remarkable 20 per cent, from 3,296 to 3,980! Hundreds of young people are in school today because of you!

‘Thanks to your generosity, these schools are now skilled and equipped to sustainably grow their own food. Every child receives a daily meal, helping them stay in school, concentrate in class and complete their education. Thank you for partnering with Fields of Life to let every child thrive!’

Find out more about the Fields of Life organisation here.

View the statement from the Church of Ireland here.