Did you know that only 10% of girls in Southern Sudan, ages 7-14, attend school? That rate is the lowest in the world and one that Project Education Sudan, She’s the First newest partner, is working to change. This fantastic organization is doing amazing things in Southern Sudan, where they support indigenous organizations that make primary, secondary and adult education available for all, especially girls and women.
This organization’s roots date back to the devastating twenty-year civil war between Northern and Southern Sudan when communities, hospitals, and families were destroyed. Thousands were forced to flee to refugee camps in neighboring Ethiopia and Kenya, including “Lost Boy” Isaac Khor Bher. Isaac later migrated to the United States, where he met Carol Rinehart. The two formed a lifechanging friendship and traveled back to Sudan to reunite Isaac with his family in 2005. Upon arriving, Carol and Isaac witnessed the wide-spread destruction left by the civil war. Not only was the region in dire need of clean water wells, electricity, and health care, but the villagers were also desperate for an education. From that point on Carol and Isaac made it their mission to help communities and schools rebuild and Project Education Sudan was born.
Almost six years later and PES has not only built the only all girls school in the region, Ayak Anguei Primary School, where you can sponsor a girl through She’s the First, but they’re also providing young girls and women with the opportunity to be the first female in their family to get an education. PES has implemented women’s adult education programs as well as training for teachers on how to become better educators.
The work of Project Education Sudan is guided by this powerful quote from a Sudanese children’s song: “I am the leader of tomorrow. I am the leader of my people. Tomorrow is my time.” Join us as we build a better future with our newest partner!
For those of you with access to Colorado Public Television (PBS) be sure to tune in on Wednesday, March 30th at 8 pm MST to watch a powerful documentary on PES and what they’re doing to help the people of South Sudan!
[Editor's Note: You can learn more and sponsor a girl at Project Education Sudan here.]
