By Yiep Joseph
African Union Mission in South Sudan (AUMISS) on Friday, May 23, 2025 visited Juba Orphanage, to commemorate Africa Day which falls on May 25, annually.
To mark this important occasion, AUMISS organized a donation visit to the Juba Orphanage under the theme “Justice for Africans and People of African Descent Through Reparations.”
The team, led by the Head of Mission of the African Union in South Sudan, Prof. Joram Biswaro, donated assorted items to the orphanage to support the children, who are considered the next generation of African leaders.
The donated items included food, medicines, sports equipment, clothes, and mosquito nets, among others.
The commemoration of Africa Month in May, and particularly Africa Day on May 25, remains a pivotal moment for the African continent to showcase its cultural heritage, economic potential, and Pan-African spirit to the world.
Africa Month commemorates the founding of the Organization of African Unity (OAU), now known as the African Union (AU).
Its commemoration serves as a timeless reminder that in May 1963, against all odds, 32 Heads of independent African States met in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, to sign the Charter creating Africa’s first post-independence continental institution.
The founding fathers, through the OAU Charter, recognized that freedom, equality, justice, and dignity were essential to the aspirations of the African people.
This was a turning point for the African continent, as it pioneered continental unity aimed at encouraging nation-building and freedom from oppression.
Addressing the media during the presentation of the donated items to the Juba Orphanage on Friday, Yohannes Teclemichael, the Ambassador of Eritrea to South Sudan and Dean of the Diplomatic Corps (ADC), expressed that the visit was part of celebrating Africa Day with future leaders.
“We do organize celebrations for Africa Day, but we decided to come to the orphanage to donate what we have and celebrate together with our future leaders,” Teclemichael said.
He added that the ambassadors from African countries in South Sudan remain committed to supporting children in general and the orphanage in particular.
The Ambassador urged the orphanage leadership to ensure the donated items benefit the orphans.
Zendia Eluzai, Central Equatoria State Minister of Gender, Child, and Social Welfare, appreciated the African Union’s decision to visit the orphanage.
“We are happy and appreciate the coming together of Ambassadors from African countries to visit the orphanage home and celebrate Africa Day with the children,” Eluzai said.
She added that the orphanage accommodates children from different parts of the country, and any support provided helps these children, who are the future leaders of South Sudan.
On his part, Prof. Joram Biswaro, Head of Mission of the African Union in South Sudan, expressed that the African Union Ambassadors in South Sudan teamed up to celebrate the day with future leaders at the Juba Orphanage.
“The African ambassadors in Juba put their hands together and devoted what they have to celebrate Africa Day with future leaders in this orphanage,” Biswaro said.
He expressed that the fight for freedom was difficult and urged African leaders to reject any form of colonialism.
The Ambassador called on South Sudanese to embrace unity and focus on their country’s development.
Angello Kenyi, Director of the Juba Orphanage Home, Central Equatoria State, appreciated the African Union for the wise decision to celebrate Africa Day with the children at the orphanage.
“I appreciate the African Union for the donations; these items they brought to the orphanage will help the children a lot,” Kenyi said.
“I have to appreciate the ambassadors from African countries who are in the country; they do help us, and I urge our people, our leaders, to help the orphanage,” he added.
He also expressed gratitude to individuals, institutions, or groups who donate to the orphanage.