Through his former colleagues in the UN peacekeeping forces, Senator Jeff Baron was made aware of the plight of children in South Sudan — an impoverished area plagued by conflict between government and rebel forces.

He is passionate about what can be done to help educate them.

“I’ve been working on a project with an NGO (non-government organisation) called Mercy Corps in Juba, South Sudan, to build a field-school, called ‘temporary learning centres,’ with the aid of UNICEF, in one of the remote regions,” he said.

“Essentially I’m going to collect school supplies to donate to Mercy Corps and raise enough money to build one school in a South Sudan region.

“Once the school is completed I’ll be flying out there to spend a few weeks with Mercy Corps and some of Juba’s newest students. It’s an exciting project with many logistical hurdles, but it’s going to happen.”

Sen Baron spoke to three classes of Saltus Year 9 geography students regarding this project and about the living conditions of children in that area.

One of the children he spoke about said she cried when it rained as her classroom had no roof and she was not able to go to school.

After speaking to the students, Head of Geography Mr. Martin and geography teacher Mr Sykes, along with Sen Baron had the students break into small groups and discuss what their educational environment at Saltus had in common with those of the children in Juba, and where they differed. Head of School Claire Charlemagne is supportive of Sen Baron’s project and has indicated that Saltus students will be able help, including donating much needed school supplies. Sen Baron plans to return to Saltus in September to inform other students about this project.

Sen Baron, whose son is in Foundation Year, said: “Going to school every day is a privilege. Some of the footage sent to me from Mercy Corps, from the learning centres, is touching and powerful. I saw and felt the joy on the faces of young children and grown adults in Juba, sitting on dried mud floors of their classroom for the first time. It reminded me why we are so fortunate in Bermuda. Our children live peacefully, they go to a fantastic school and they have every opportunity to excel.”