RAISING SOUTH SUDAN
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Ruweng Administrative Area, South Sudan
Between 1983 and 2005, nearly 30,000 boys were orphaned and or displaced when villages in southern Sudan were attacked. On epic walks to refugee camps, they became known as the “Lost Boys of Sudan.” In 2001, nearly 4,000 of them were invited to come to the US and become citizens.
More than a decade ago, three former “Lost Boys of Sudan” — James “Lubo” Mijak (Charlotte, NC), Ngor Kur Mayol (Atlanta, GA), and James Manyror (Denver, CO) — dreamed of bringing education to their home villages of Nyarweng, Gumriak, and Aliap.
The dream inspired the Raising South Sudan project – to create schools and opportunities for children in one of the world’s newest and most fragile countries.
From Dream to Reality
Lubo, Ngor, and James were among the first "Lost Boys" from their home state in South Sudan to return with dreams of building schools. Sometimes, they volunteered as teachers. Makeshift "classrooms" included blackboards under trees and thatched huts called “tukuls.”
The arrival of colorful flashcards, South Sudan curriculum guides, and new sturdy metal classrooms sparked interest and demand for education. Enrollment at Nyarweng and Gumriak primary schools doubled to over 800 students.
Education in Action
Today, Gumriak is ranked #1 and Nyarweng #3 among 36 schools in the region. Together, they serve more than 1,000 teachers and students, and construction of a third school — Aliap Primary — is now underway with collaborative support from the local government.
Fifteen years ago, not a single child in Nyarweng, Gumriak, or Aliap had completed primary school. Today, preparing for the national primary exams is an annual goal, supported by printed mock tests and extra teacher coaching.
Scholarships to High School
Graduates of Nyarweng and Gumriak primary schools who earn merit scholarships can continue their education at boarding high schools. In 2023, the first graduates passed their high school exams with flying colors, completed a two-month training program to manage classrooms, and returned to Nyarweng and Gumriak as teachers. After their two-year fellowships, some will apply for university scholarships.
Community Commitment
Parents are deeply invested in their children’s education. They proudly agreed to cover three months of teacher stipends, with U.S. donors supporting the remaining nine. The decision reflected remarkable unity and shared purpose – a community choosing, together, to make education a priority despite limited resources.
Milestones and Progress
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Graduation Success
Nearly 100 students now graduate each year from the first two primary schools – Nyarweng and Gumriak – marking a powerful milestone for education in their communities.
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Girls Getting Access
Communities now value girls’ education. Classes are about half girls and half boys, and girls rank among the top scorers on national exams. Recently, four graduates earned places at one of South Sudan’s best boarding schools.
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"Teach for South Sudan"
Modeled after Teach for America, this program helps merit scholars study in Juba. Afterward, they return as teachers, bringing new skills, tablet-based learning, and books of English, math, and science. Overall exam scores have increased.
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Education for Food
Because of strong attendance and exam results, Raising South Sudan schools receive daily meals from the World Food Program. Each school also maintains demonstration gardens that teach students and families the value of good nutrition.
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Early Childhood Development
Early Childhood Development (ECD) is new to South Sudan. This year, for the first time, an ECD specialist is training teachers, providing materials, and transforming classrooms.
Join Our Circle
Teachers and students are counting on us to keep the doors open and the learning going.
A gift of $100 provides notebooks for 30 students
$300 covers a student scholarship for one year
$500 supplies a printed set of mock exams for one school
$3,000 covers teacher and staff salaries at one school for one month
The circle of originators and friends — Phillips and Leslie Bragg, Karen Puckett, Peter and Jean Firmin, and Ed and Virginia Leech — includes some who are no longer with us, yet whose spirit and vision continue to inspire this work.
HELP KEEP THE DREAM OF EDUCATION ALIVE