Financial independence

From the very beginning, the overall self-sustainability of the project has been considered essential. Alongside the educational services, local economic activities have been developed that contribute to the school’s upkeep. These activities fall into three main areas:

• Well construction
  • over 50 wells have been drilled in recent years, significantly easing the water-supply problem of many villages and communities;
  • clients: Diocese of Rumbek, Obakki Foundation (Canada), Korean priests of the Cueibet parish.
• Construction and building works
  • the surgical theatre of Rumbek hospital (commissioned by UNOPS);
  • many buildings hosting refugees, classrooms and other works for local communities (commissioned by Cefa, Unicef, UNHCR).
• Agriculture
  • vegetable gardens that feed the students and the training centre’s staff;
  • in 2024, a partnership with AVSI was started to grow rice and sorghum as well.

These activities are run by a local benefit-corporation, managed by Sudin, that channels all profits to support the school. Local workers are involved in its initiatives, making a significant contribution to local economic development. With the launch of the new technical-vocational school, students will be able to do internships during their studies and gain access to a first job.

The project to build a local social incubator was awarded the “Social Award” in 2020 by Fondazione Sodalitas (Assolombarda), one of the most prestigious Italian awards for sustainability.

Services to the community

The IDVTC compound provides a low-cost grain-milling service to help the surrounding community.

A number of courses for the local population have also been developed at the centre:

• An English class
• A basic hygiene course
• Parenting-support courses

Energy autonomy

When designing the compound, energy independence was a priority from day one. Solar panels and a photovoltaic system have been installed to that end.

• The volunteers’ accommodation has used a solar-panel system since 2009.
• In 2013 a 40 kWh photovoltaic system was installed, providing the school with full energy autonomy and powering the new irrigation system for the vegetable gardens and the cropland.