In 2001 before the attacks of 9/11, approximately 4,000 Sudanese Lost Boy and Girl refugees arrived in the United States.  As victims of genocidal (un)civil war which has raged in Southern Sudan for over twenty years, they have spent the majority of their lives in refugee camps of Ethiopia, Kenya and Uganda.  Since the ages of 3 to 7, the tides of war have forced them to flee as groups of children through the deserts on thousand mile treks.  Most have lost their parents and siblings, having seen them perish or killed before their eyes.  They have survived war, thirst, starvation, and personal loss that has scarred their souls but never beat them.  Now in their early twenties, the Lost Boys and Girls living in the United States embody the hope for their country’s future.  Most are attending college while working several jobs to support their family members left in the camps.  It is their hope that through their education, they will gain the knowledge and means to rebuild their country and save the lives of their loved ones left behind.

Sudanese Lost Boys African School Program has collected photos and biographies of young relatives (especially orphaned minors) who our local Lost Boys are trying to support back home in Kakuma Refugee Camp, Kenya. Most of these young relatives are alone and have no adult to protect them. These children are rationed 1 cup of cornmeal which must last them two weeks and are at extreme risk of starvation. This is their entire diet! In addition, they have little education, as the camp has few books and fewer teachers. They are also vulnerable to being kidnapped by rebel armies trying to fill their ranks.

The only real hope for the safety and survival of these young children is to get them out of the camp, which has over 80,000 refugees, and send them to inexpensive boarding schools.  This will provide each child with safe surroundings, an education, a meal a day, a uniform, and most importantly, hope for a decent future.  The cost per child is approximately $250/semester for primary school and secondary school.  There are three terms per school year. There is also a small, one-time start-up fee (around $200) in addition to the fee for their first term. This covers their bedding, a uniform, footlocker and books. Sponsoring one or two children is within the means of most individuals ( many sponsor two and I am sponsoring four). It is also well within the means of school classes, churches, civic groups, and businesses. We currently have three schools, Tallwood High, Norfolk Collegiate and Norfolk Academy, sponsoring boarding school students in Kenya. The tuition can be sent directly to the boarding school, to the school as a donation via our fund, or through the Lost Boy or Girl living in Hampton Roads.

The Lost Boys spend much of their hard-earned income feeding and supporting their loved ones back in the camp.  Having help supporting their relatives at home will allow the Lost Boys to focus their energies and finances on completing their own education. Their roles as the future leaders in Sudan will help bring their homeland peace, stability, and a better life for their people.

If you would like to receive notebooks or email files with biographies and pictures of the refugee camp children please contact us.

School in Southern Sudan