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Get Them While They're Young!
As an educator, I know that when reaching children academically, skills need to be taught consistently and often -- and as early in life as possible. Students not only need regular, uninterrupted instruction, they need opportunities to practice that instruction. Thus, the long school-day, with significant blocks of time devoted to instruction in reading, math, and science are the normal practice.
When I visited South Sudan a year and a half ago, I noted that there are numerous interruptions to this process -- especially in the villages of Aliap and Nyaarweng, where we are building schools through the Raising Sudan initiative. Those roadblocks include the absence of a viable building to house instructors, students and curriculum materials. With the onset of several months of rainy season each year, schooling is often cut short. Currently, students receive lessons either in a grass and mud hut (not too waterproof) or under a tree (REALLY not waterproof!)
After meeting several Lost Boys of Sudan who did receive adequate schooling even while suffering from hunger and disease in refugee camps, I am convinced that the communities of Aliap and Nyaarweng can have schools that indeed thrive! The parents and community leaders there are completely primed to have their children educated, just as I am with my own children.
What will it mean when the current generation of children in Aliap and Nyaarweng are able to read fluently, comprehend mathematical principles and utilize the scientific method for problem solving? It means an entire pool of previously untapped talent will be available to provide strength and courage as well as industry to a community that was previously cut off from the world by war and oppression.
What! Me? Rebuild a country?
$38,000 !!!
When I decided that I wanted to help Lost Boys build schools in southern Sudan, I had no idea what it would take. The research. The learning. The collaboration.
At one point it started to look impossible. Now, here it is. July 2010. Our Raising Sudan team just met to assess where we are and what else needs to be done.
And we said out loud . . . since beginning our focus on fundraising with ...
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