Opportunity for Generosity
August 2024
Sudanese/South Sudanese Mission Group Education Initiative
Long known for our Christmas gift collection, the Sudanese/South Sudanese Mission Group is retiring that ministry. Our children here in Roanoke and students in South Sudan have education needs and we now want to offer you the opportunity to support their academic goals.
In South Sudan this will be an investment in the future of that country. Abukloi, which means “We can do it” in Dinka, is a secondary school that has for 10 years striven to develop a new generation of peaceful leaders through excellence in education. Along with other churches in the Presbytery, local and national government ministries within South Sudan, businesses, churches and academic institutions in the United States and other countries, we want to partner with them in this effort.
Founded by Angelo Maker, a Lost Boy refugee just like the Lost Boys who were our first Sudanese at RCPC, Abukloi now educates 667 students. Ninty-five were in this year's graduating class with 100% passing the National Exam. Thirty percent of the students are female in a country where girls' education is less valued. The first girl to attend Africa University from South Sudan graduated from Abukloi. They have started a self-sustaining farm project that educates local villagers and helps feed the students. The students at Abukloi are in a precarious position. Because of extreme poverty and astronomical inflation, the cost of an education has proven to be an insurmountable hurdle for half of the students. Providing a meal is difficult, as the farm project has only begun, so they must buy most of the food supplies. They are seeking partners who have a passion for education, gender equity, peace and reconciliation, self-development of people, community and economic development, as well as sustainable agriculture. Sounds like us, doesn't it? To support the students, the school offers a sponsorship program where for only $80 a month or just $2.66 a day you can provide a student with: annual tuition, daily meal, textbooks and classroom supplies, two uniforms a year with socks, hygiene products, and access to life skills training programs.
If you would rather, you can donate money to the feeding program or scholarships by indicating “Abukloi” on your check or you can donate online at rcpres.org and add “Abukloi” to the notes field.. If we have enough scholarship money donated, RCPC can sponsor a student.
Locally we will have students of any age apply for assistance. If they are in college or a training program, they will need to apply first for any resources offered by their institution, if they have not already done so. We will help with other educational expenses. We expect tutoring to be requested. We would like to compile a database of church members who would be willing to provide help. This would be subject or skill based, so all students whether pursuing a degree, getting a certificate, needing help with homework or learning their ABC's could be helped. If you want to be added to the database, send your contact information and the subjects or skills you would be willing to tutor to sandrarcpc@yahoo.com or text 540-330-3451. If we can't provide the help they request, your donations could help secure a tutor. If you wish to donate to our local Sudanese/South Sudanese educational needs, please designate Sudanese Mission on your check or donate online at rcpres.org and add “Sudanese Mission” to the notes field. All loose plate offerings will be directed to one of these educational initiatives.
Thank you all for your generosity and compassion shown toward our Sudanese and South Sudanese friends for the past 22 years. As our focus
shifts from things to education, we pray that you will come along with us.
