Priests in Yambio trained on business skills for development
The training, organized in partnership with the Archdiocese of Nyeri, Kenya, aimed to equip priests with entrepreneurial skills to support church activities and community development
By Emmanuel Mandella
At least eight priests from the Catholic Diocese of Tombura-Yambio (CDTY) have been trained on basic business operations to help sustain their parishes.
The training, organized in partnership with the Archdiocese of Nyeri, Kenya, aimed to equip priests with entrepreneurial skills to support church activities and community development.
The priests, representing Corpus Christi Catholic Church in Gangura, St. Luke Yangiri, St. Mary in Tombura, Holy Family Yabua, St. Peter and Paul in Naandi, St. George in Bangasu, and Namaku Catholic Parish in Nzara and Gitikiri Catholic Church in Yambio County, were introduced to business fundamentals, including financial management, income generation, and sustainable project development.
In his opening speech, the Vicar General Fr. Tomaizo Bgbiowia emphasized the importance of self-reliance for the church’s future.
“The reality is that churches cannot depend entirely on donations forever. We must find ways to sustain ourselves while fulfilling our spiritual mission. This training is a step toward financial independence for our parishes.”
Speaking on behalf of the trained priests, Fr. Babie Victor, the parish priest of Namaku Catholic Parish in Nzara County, expressed deep appreciation for the initiative.
“I want to take this opportunity to register our heartfelt gratitude for this well-thought-out workshop. It is very good, very important, and we have gained a lot. It has made me believe that knowledge is not only with age. The young facilitator has given us valuable insights into business operations, and we hope to put them into practice.”
The training was facilitated by Emmanuel Edward, a young entrepreneur operating in Western Equatoria State, who praised the priests for their humility and eagerness to learn.
“I am deeply moved by the humility of these priests. It is rare to see highly intellectual and experienced individuals actively engage and embrace new knowledge in such a manner. I believe that when they return to their parishes, they will implement these skills effectively.”
During the closing ceremony, Bishop Eduardo Hiiboro of the Catholic Diocese of Tombura-Yambio extended his gratitude to the Archdiocese of Nyeri and Archbishop Anthony Muheria for their generosity and commitment to empowering priests in South Sudan.
“This partnership is historic. It is rare to see one African diocese supporting another at this level. Usually, we look to Europe for help, but this initiative proves that African churches can uplift one another. We appreciate the Archdiocese of Nyeri for standing with us.”
Archbishop Muheria reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening the clergy in CDTY, announcing plans to expand the initiative to more priests and introduce financial administration training.
“We are not just here for a one-time program. We will continue supporting CDTY priests in income generation and leadership formation to ensure the sustainability of their parishes.”
The training marks a new chapter in CDTY’s approach to church development, ensuring that priests not only provide spiritual guidance but also become financially empowered leaders in their communities. With continued support from the Archdiocese of Nyeri, this initiative could serve as a model for other dioceses across Africa.
“This partnership is historic. It is rare to see one African diocese supporting another at this level,” Bishop Eduardo Hiiboro of the Catholic Diocese of Tombura-Yambio said.