Come July, Southern Sudan is set to become the newest country in the world. The journey to independence has not been easy. After decades of war between north and south, a peace treaty finally gave South Sudan a chance to vote for independence. Becky Palmstrom went to Kakuma Refugee camp in Kenya, where thousands of Southern Sudanese refugees have spent decades living in exile, waiting to return. There the referendum is literally an answer to their prayers. This piece brings you to this barren region of Kenya through the voices, the ambiance and the songs of these refugees.
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Piece Description
Come July, Southern Sudan is set to become the newest country in the world. The journey to independence has not been easy. After decades of war between north and south, a peace treaty finally gave South Sudan a chance to vote for independence. Becky Palmstrom went to Kakuma Refugee camp in Kenya, where thousands of Southern Sudanese refugees have spent decades living in exile, waiting to return. There the referendum is literally an answer to their prayers. This piece brings you to this barren region of Kenya through the voices, the ambiance and the songs of these refugees.
Broadcast History
This was aired on KALW Cross Currents in California, February 8th 2011.
Transcript
Come July, Southern Sudan is set to become the newest country in the world. The journey to independence has not been easy. After decades of war between north and south, a peace treaty finally gave South Sudan a chance to vote for independence. Becky Palmstrom went to Kakuma Refugee camp in Kenya, where thousands of Southern Sudanese refugees have spent decades living in exile, waiting to return. There the referendum is literally an answer to their prayers.
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BECKY PALMSTROM: This church is made of naked concrete walls. The afternoon sun beats onto the women’s blue robes. The only real decoration besides a poster of Mary and Jesus is a white cloth across the altar painted with the Southern Sudanese flag. It’s January 8, but some Christmas tinsel still hangs forlorn in the 110 degree heat. The congregation of 100 or so raise their voices to pray for tomorrow’s referendum.
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