By Baraka John
The Catholic Organization for Development and Peace (CODEP) has mobilized over 100 local youth in Riimenze to participate in the construction of a new hospital, creating both healthcare infrastructure and economic opportunities for young people in the community.
The youth have produced more than 100,000 bricks for the hospital project, which is part of a broader initiative led by Bishop Eduardo Hiiboro Kussala with financial support from the Sudan Relief Fund.
Economic Empowerment Through Skills Development
Fr. Charles Mbikoyo, CODEP director and parish priest of Our Lady of Assumption Riimenze Parish, told Anisa Radio that the initiative goes beyond construction to address youth unemployment and idleness.
“CODEP has not only given them the opportunity to contribute to the building of essential infrastructure for their community, but we are also empowering them economically by purchasing these bricks from them,” Fr. Mbikoyo said.
By buying the bricks from the youth, CODEP ensures they receive tangible benefits while gaining valuable skills in construction and entrepreneurship.
“We want to combat youth idleness and unemployment by giving the young people of Riimenze an opportunity to work, learn skills, and contribute to something that will benefit everyone,” Fr. Mbikoyo explained. “It’s a way to give them hope and pride, showing them that their work can have a lasting impact on the development of our community.”
Addressing Healthcare Access Challenges
The new hospital will address long-standing healthcare access challenges faced by Riimenze residents, who currently must travel long distances to seek medical care.
For years, community members have had to journey to distant towns—often walking or using unreliable transportation—to reach healthcare facilities. This has caused treatment delays and worsened health outcomes, particularly for vulnerable groups including the elderly, children, and pregnant women.
“Having this hospital will be a game-changer for us,” said a community leader in Riimenze. “We’ve been struggling for years with access to healthcare. Now, with this new facility, we will be able to take care of our health without the long, exhausting travel.”
Community-Driven Development Model
CODEP’s approach of directly engaging the community—particularly youth—in the construction process represents an innovative and sustainable model for developing local infrastructure.
The project has provided employment and skills training while instilling a sense of pride and ownership in a facility that will serve families and neighbors for generations.
With CODEP’s support and funding from the Sudan Relief Fund, the vision for improved healthcare in Riimenze is steadily becoming reality. The completed hospital will stand as a testament to community-driven development and the resilience of South Sudan’s youth.
