The Lost Boys of Sudan w/Francis Deng

With various platforms making news accessible we have become inundated with information, most of which is deeply distressing. It easily becomes exhausting and convenient to disengage from issues that plague our world. In the end, we don’t know what we don’t know, so how can we care about what we are unaware of?

When we choose to pay attention to the issues, our appreciation of the circumstances of others tends to only be superficial. By that virtue, we are several degrees removed from the experience so we can afford to be complacent or devoid of compassion.

Empathy and compassion require that we listen to the experiences of others. Listen to understand, not to impose our judgement. It forces us to detach from our own experiences and allow ourselves to hold space and suspend our thoughts. Without the interference of our preconceptions and limited perspectives we begin to recognise the affliction of others.

This discussion intends to bring to the forefront, with the help of Francis Deng, the experiences and impact of those subjected to conflict and war in Sudan and South Sudan.

As a victim of war, Francis emigrated from South Sudan seeking refuge in Australia. In A Child ESCAPES he writes about his journey of hardship and resilience to survive an ordeal that few of us ever have to experience. From being recruited at an early age to become a rebel soldier, to escaping to Kenyan refugee camps.

 
Host:
Fungai Mutsiwa
Instagram:       @ blackfor30

Guest:
Francis Deng
LinkedIn:        Francis Deng
Website:          https://www.francisdeng.com

 
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