Religion and sociology students at Paul VI Catholic High School in Fairfax recently had the privilege of hearing a presentation by Paul Nantulya, the Catholic Relief Services (CRS) peace building and governance manager in Sudan.

Jane Elfring, a religion teacher at Paul VI, brought Nantulya to speak to her Justice Service classes and other religion and sociology classes.

“I wanted the students to hear Paul’s presentation so that they could learn firsthand about the situation in the Sudan,” Elfring said. “They often see news clips and may read articles in the newspaper but rarely have the opportunity to hear and talk to someone who has actually worked there.”

Born in South Africa, Nantulya holds a bachelor’s degree in international relations with a minor in U.S. foreign policy from the U.S. International University in Kenya. He received a master’s in international humanitarian law from the University of the Western Cape in South Africa. He has been involved in Sudan as a student activist, policy analyst and scholar for more than a decade, and has written extensively on the country in several internationally respected journals and publications.

Nantulya’s presentation included maps and pictures and an outline of the efforts that CRS has done to bring peace to the embittered region. CRS first came to Sudan in 1972, delivering humanitarian aid during the 22-year civil war there. More than 4 million Sudanese were displaced by the war and more than 2 million have been displaced in Darfur.

Recently, CRS brought 40 participants together from across southern Sudan for a five-week workshop. The goal was to increase community leaders’ ability to peacefully resolve conflicts in the longterm. Much work is still needed as local conflicts like cattle raids, militia action and tension over sharing scarce resources remain common. Despite the region’s history, those working for peace have hope for the future.

“Representatives from Abyei and nine of the 10 southern states — including state directors of the South Sudan Peace Commission — attended this training” said Nantulya. “Community leaders experienced in advanced peace building techniques are now available across southern Sudan to mediate conflicts. This is an incredibly exciting and promising development.”

Students enjoyed learning about these important issues and how they related to Jesus’s teaching that “blessed are the peacemakers.”

“It was a nice presentation; it made us be thankful for all that we have and we should do all that we can to help those in the Sudan,” said junior Joey Ugast.

For more information go to crs.org/sudan.