RAISING SOUTH SUDAN
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A Growing Network of Schools and Communities
Honoring connections between former Lost Boys, U.S. communities, and education projects in 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 3,800 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 in Ruweng Administrative Area.
The dream inspired Raising South Sudan – an initiative to support schools and opportunities for children in one of the world’s newest and most fragile countries.
A Collective Approach
Raising South Sudan is a growing network of schools, educators, and communities learning from one another.
Partnering with schools across regions
Sharing best practices in teaching and school leadership
Expanding access to resources, training, and innovation
Exploring connectivity solutions like Starlink to bring internet access to remote schools
Nyarweng Primary School
Nyarweng is where it all began. There were no physical schools in these rural villages, and the adult literacy rate was less than 10 percent. Where James “Lubo” Mijak once held lessons under trees, now there are cement-block classrooms. Recent improvements — from building upgrades to the expansion of early childhood education — are helping students build strong foundations for the future.
Gumriak Primary School
Gumriak began as the South Sudanese American Orphaned Rehabilitation Organization (SSAORO) and became the Gumriak Orphanage, founded by James Manyror. Today, as part of Raising South Sudan, ongoing investments in learning materials, teacher support, and early childhood development are strengthening the quality of education. Gumriak is ranked #1 among 36 schools in the region.
Aliap Primary School
A third school in Ruweng is now under construction, initiated by the administrative government. Located in Ngor Kur Mayol’s home village, it will make it possible for children in Aliap to attend school closer to home.
Sunlight Primary School
Former Lost Boy Daniel Majok Gai (Denver, CO) founded Sunlight Primary School in 2012 to bring quality education to Bor, Jonglei State. The school serves students from kindergarten through primary eight. One-third of the students are girls. Ranked among the top schools in Jonglei State, Sunlight demonstrates the impact of strong leadership and committed teachers.
Agriculture & Nutrition
Education is strengthened when students are nourished, and communities are supported. School gardens and agricultural efforts provide both learning opportunities and essential nutrition – helping students stay in school and thrive.
Merit Scholarships
Education doesn’t stop at primary school. Graduates of Nyarweng and Gumriak primary schools who earn merit scholarships can continue their education at boarding high schools.
"Teach for South Sudan"
We are building a pipeline of future educators. Modeled after Teach for America, students who receive high school merit scholarships “pay it forward.” Upon graduation, they return to primary schools as assistant teachers. After teaching for two years, they are eligible for support to attend university in person or continue teaching while pursuing degrees online.
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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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. Our Raising South Sudan ECD specialist is training teachers, providing materials, and transforming classrooms.
