By Peter Magai Bul
When I came to the United States ten years ago, I asked myself this question: How can I use my time, share my experiences and implement my dreams? The generation known as the Lost Boys and Girls of Sudan, a generation of which I am a part, suffered, escaped and survived the horrible genocide in Southern Sudan. Fortunately, we were welcomed in American with an open heart. Like many of the Lost Boys and Girls, I try to do all I can to make my life better and I work hard to support my family. We also have obligations to our larger community. We wish to:
1. bring the world’s awareness to Sudan's longest-running conflict in Africa (which claimed over 2 million lives and displaced an estimated 4 million people) with the goal of achieving long-lasting peace in Sudan,
2. break the circle of poverty and dependence by working with Sudanese outside of Sudan, local villagers within Sudan, and friends of Sudan to promote educational, social, and economic projects in our homeland, and
3. use our experiences and lesson learned to teach, inspire, and encourage millions of people around the world to embrace the spirit of unity, enabling us all to assemble as allies and friends as one global community.
In order for us to accomplish these goals, I have committed to sharing my story. I have met with concerned political and religious leaders and celebrities of all kinds, making them aware of the suffering in Sudan. I have a special interest in meeting with young people. Children are the best agents of change in any society. Engaging youth in projects that give them self-confidence, self-discipline, the strength to love one another, and the compassion to engage with issues of peace and justice in their own communities and our global community is vital in helping them grow up as responsible, democratic citizens.
Throughout the development project of Pongborong Primary School in Southern Sudan, hundreds of youth from the Chicago area and around the US have stood by me in these difficult times. The children of Karen and Jordan Mozer are two particularly committed young people. These young ladies undertook projects for their Bat Mitzvas to raise nearly $20,000 for Pongborong Primary School. I strongly believe they are inspired and responsible young women who will make a real impact on their generation.
Impressed by the success of their sister Eliza Mozer, who raised nearly $10,000 for Pongborong Primary School in 2008, Chloe and Isabel Mozer (who just turned 14) approached me with their idea to continue their sister's project for their Bat Mitzvah. Eliza’s fundraising provided uniforms for about half of the 800 students at Pongborong Primary School and contributed to the construction of a permanent classroom. Chloe and Isabel have already exceeded their goal of $5000 and have raised nearly $8000.
Family members and friends who supported their Bat Mitzvah fundraising project empowered these young ladies to work toward real change in Southern Sudan. The ACDA is very proud of the strengthening relationship between the youth in Southern Sudan and America.
To those who are inspired by these American youth and those who have been supporting me for the last ten years, I deeply thank you all. You have challenged me to stay the course and continue sacrificing for change in my beloved village of Wangulei in Southern Sudan's Jongulei state.
In less than three months, the people of Southern Sudan will finally have the opportunity to determine their country's destination by voting whether to separate or unite Sudan, a fulfillment of the agreement set in the Comprehensive Peace Agreement which the North and South signed in 2005. This agreement came about as a result of the pressure and support of allies like the United States. Please stay tuned for more details about this.
In the mean time, feel free to visit Chloe and Isabel Mozer's fundraising page and Pongborong Primary School’s web site.
Friday, November 12, 2010
Friday, July 30, 2010
Pongborong Primary School Update
< Pongborong Primary School now has 6 permanent structure classrooms! This is a wonderful upgrade from the previous huts made of grasses and mud, which needed to be rebuilt every two years. A team of ACDA members, including Jim Thompson, Peter Barach Kuany and Peter Magai Bul, traveled to the Ayual Community to negotiate and sign the contract for the construction of additional classrooms. Sudan's Jongulei-based Rhino Star Company just finished construction this month.Funding of the scho
ol construction was made possible by ACDA donors, members and Messiah Lutheran Church of Omaha in Nebraska. The team also took and distributed soccer uniforms, footballs, shoes, t-shirts, dictionaries, books and other supplies. Chicago’s Eliza Mozer’s fundraising campaign raised enough money for school uniforms for 400 students. The teacher’s uniforms were provided by Dana College of Nebraska.
d a better educational experience for the teachers and youth of the Ayual Community.Friday, April 16, 2010
Sudan: A Country's Present & Future
Sunday, April 25th from 2:00 - 4:00 PM
Goodman Auditorium
Featured Speaker: Dr. Isaiah Majok Dau
Dr. Isaiah Majok Dau, born in Bor Town on December 3, 1958, serves as a Bishop of Pentecostal Evangelistic Fellowship of Africa (PEFA) for Nairobi North District and the Senior Pastor of PEFA Church Githurai, Nairobi, Kenya. He is the Principal of the Nairobi Pentecostal Bible College
As a Director, he directs Mobile Leadership Training in war-affected areas of Southern Sudan and Sudanese Refugee camps in Kenya, and Uganda. Under the auspices of the Swedish International Development Agency (SIDA) and through the Swedish Pentecostal Churches, he is honored to facilitate seminars in South Africa, Rwanda, India, Bangladesh, Thailand, Ethiopia, Benin, Tanzania, and Sweden among others on international partnership and development.
Dr. Dau administrated two Christian Institutions of higher education for 19 years as principal, senior lecturer, and research fellow in theology and public life. In October 2005, he was appointed as a Professor of Theology to mentor masters and doctoral students at the Global University, USA and worldwide.
Dr. Dau is the author of book: Suffering and God: A Theological Study of the War in Sudan. He speaks Dinka, Arabic, Kiswahili, and English. He is married to Lydia and they are blessed with four children, three sons and a daughter.
Followed by a Panel Discussion and Q&A with:
Malual Awak, President, Sudanese Community Association of Illinois
Gabriel Dut Atem, Chicago Association for the Lost Boys of Sudan
Reservations are requested for this free program
See Illinois Holocaust Museum & Education Center for more information.
Thursday, January 28, 2010
5th Annual Hope for Sudan Celebration in Chicago
Join the Lost Boys of Sudan, the Chicago Bulls’ Luol Deng, and friends to celebrate Hope for Sudan.
Sunday, January 31, 2010
12pm-5pm
Truman College
1145 W. Wilson Ave
Chicago, IL 60645
The Chicago Bulls' Loul Deng and Joakim Noah will be in attendance. Keynote speakers will include, Dr. Akec Khoc - Sudan Ambassador to the USA, and Hon: Elzekiel Lol Gatkuoth – Head of Mission, Government of Southern Sudan, Mission to the USA. Guests will be entertained by Sudanese traditional dancers, comedians, and other invited entertainers. There will be plenty of Sudanese traditional food, and other international dishes. This is an opportunity to share in our cultural heritage, learn about the “Lost Boys” and Sudan and share in our successes.
Since 2005, this event has been hosted by NBA’s Chicago Bulls forward, Luol Deng (through the auspices of his foundation), the Chicago Association of the Lost Boys of Sudan, the Chicago Bulls, Vienna Beef, Hinckley Springs, Truman College, and the Sudanese Community Association of Illinois.
Fore more information go online to: www.sudanesecommunitycenter.org, www.lostboyschicago.com, or call Peter Magai Bul at 773-306-3983.
The event is free and all are welcome.
We hope you join us!
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