Stay With Sudan: Build a Future
VILLANOVA UNIVERSITY vs. SETON HALL UNIVERSITY MEN’S BASKETBALL
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 18, 2012
7PM, VILLANOVA UNIVERSITY PAVILION
On Wednesday, January 18, the men’s basketball teams from Villanova University and Seton Hall University will join forces with Catholic Relief Services (CRS) to raise awareness and encourage action on the dire situation in Sudan. The evening’s theme will be “Playing for Peace. Stay with Sudan: Build a Future. “ It is one of a series of university-wide efforts in the 2011-12 academic year addressing the situation Sudan. This event aims to harness the power of the Villanova University and Seton Hall University athletic brand, through its successful men’s basketball programs, to shine a light on the people of Sudan who continue to remain at risk of violence, displacement, hunger, and poverty.
One year ago, the people of Sudan faced a fateful decision of whether to remain a united Sudan or split into two countries. Africa’s longest running war had already claimed almost 2 million lives. In anticipation of the vote, the US Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) and CRS launched a Campaign for Peace in Sudan to raise awareness, advocacy and prayers for the people of Sudan. Last year, the Villanova University community actively participated in the campaign. Against all odds, a peaceful vote happened, and on July 9, 2011, South Sudan became the world's newest nation.
Today, peace and stability in all of Sudan is at a critical juncture. Political tensions and allegations of attacks on civilians are occurring in the disputed border areas daily. Civilian protection from aerial bombardment and unregulated militia is urgently needed. Civilians who have been forced to flee their homes in the area need access to basic necessities and humanitarian aid. And a closer monitoring of the violence and displacement across the disputed border region between northern and southern Sudan is needed.
This event is co-sponsored by the Athletic Departments of both universities, CRS, the Villanova University Partnership with CRS, and the Villanova University Center for Peace and Justice Education.
