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Get Them While They're Young!

Mothering Across Continents — Mon, 06 Sep 2010 20:10:00 GMT

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?

Mothering Across Continents — Sun, 25 Jul 2010 07:33:00 GMT

$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 an event at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Salisbury in April, we have raised $38,000 including pledges.

I honestly got choked up. I couldn’t hold back the tears, because I really couldn’t believe that we had raised $38,000 for a project that started as just a dream to put water in a village and build a school in Aliap, Ruweng County, Unity State, southern Sudan.

Then, Lost Boy Ngor Kur Mayol and I and a few others put together a 501c3 non-profit called Sudan Rowan. Then, we realized we were more likely to achieve our goal through collaboration, so we joined our efforts with Mothering Across Continents. Now, our goal is to build at least two schools in 2011, the 10th anniversary of the majority of Lost Boys of Sudan transitioning to the U.S. We call the project Raising Sudan because of the role of education in raising children, but also the role of education in raising a country.

And then I think . . . What? Me? Re-build a country?

I have to pinch myself sometimes to make sure this is real. I never imagined myself trying to make a difference in Africa. It wasn’t on my radar screen. But I guess you could say I had a God-given moment while watching “The Lost Boys of Sudan” film at church. I KNEW I had to do something. It came to me like a thunderbolt.

The next thing I know, I’m on a plane to southern Sudan with my friend Judy Maves of Atlanta and a couple of “Lost Boys.” It was an incredible trip. Villagers – everyone comes to greet you – dancing, singing, even slaughtering a cow in our honor. In keeping with cultural protocols and to graciously accept the gift, we had to jump over the cow!

Now . . . I’m friends with two “Lost Boys,” young men from Atlanta and Charlotte, Ngor Kur Mayol and James Lubo Mijak, both originally from Ruweng County in southern Sudan, one of the most under-served areas in the world. Their villages don’t even have one primary school building. Upwards of 90 percent of adults can’t read.

Many days I think, “Can we do it? Raise $300,000 to building two schools in 2011?” And then I think, “We simply must.” Each school would serve more than 300 students and consist of four classrooms with equipment and essential materials and supplies, eight latrines and an administrative building. But they would do something more; they would be anchors of inspiration and hope for the future.

We’ve been fortunate to have received a grant from the St. Luke’s Foundation in Salisbury, NC, to help with the cornerstone of teacher sleeping quarters. And another NGO has offered to provide teacher training for 10 teachers who would serve the two schools.

I’m inviting anybody and everybody to join us on this journey of what Mothering Across Continents calls “Adopting Dreams. Raising Tomorrow’s Leaders.” I’ve been delivering presentations through Vacation Bible School at various churches in North Carolina. We’re working on a learning program with Rowan Cabarrus Community College and students who will read the book “What is the What” this fall.

I just want to get the word out and get these schools built. When I think of the children and their beautiful faces . . . I have to keep going . . .

Karen

Welcome

Mothering Across Continents — Sat, 24 Jul 2010 03:29:39 GMT

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