tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-90722728673901911612024-03-06T14:02:29.200-06:00Ayual Community Development AssociationRebuilding Southern Sudan In The Era of PeaceAyual Community Development Associationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12093420057611743033noreply@blogger.comBlogger29125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9072272867390191161.post-55837967311104403482012-07-11T20:47:00.000-05:002012-07-11T20:52:13.428-05:002012 Ayual Community Development Association ReunionEducational Fundraising & Cultural Celebration<BR>
South Sudan Independence Day<BR>
<P>
<b>
July 14, 2012 - July 15, 2012</b><BR>
Malcolm X Foundation Center <BR>
3448 Evans St. (36 and Evans Street)<BR>
Omaha, NE 68111<BR>
<P>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq4Yx3a0_uuKm6oKDBvZXe2iUL8F_NJBZUZM5A1ro_59Fm2PPjkTRiACCnRUBFPmGskOBLw5CKdf2lZCWG4vc3jgXBKt7GXhbQU_Y_tF3PmYBgRv_WPYkEoMJo0Piyj0J32ugyzyZTOX0/s1600/392531_10150784315000474_856098691_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="150" width="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq4Yx3a0_uuKm6oKDBvZXe2iUL8F_NJBZUZM5A1ro_59Fm2PPjkTRiACCnRUBFPmGskOBLw5CKdf2lZCWG4vc3jgXBKt7GXhbQU_Y_tF3PmYBgRv_WPYkEoMJo0Piyj0J32ugyzyZTOX0/s200/392531_10150784315000474_856098691_n.jpg" /></a></div>
<P>
Join us to celebrate South Sudan Independence Day and raise funds to support the ACDA educational project in Twic East County of Jonglei State, South Sudan. Since the incorporation of ACDA in 2004, the organization has demonstrated a steadfast commitment to provide educational support, health care, and emergency assistance to community members in South Sudan.
<P>
ACDA welcomes all of its supporters, the general public, members of the media, and youth who have been key fundraisers for ACDA’s educational projects
<P>
<B>Speakers</B><BR>
John Dau (Dhieu Anoon Manyok Duot, founder of The John Dau Sudan Foundation <BR>
Jim Thompson, ACDA Executive Director<BR>
Lual Bul Manyok, ACDA President<BR>
<P>
<B>Schedule</B><BR>
Saturday, July 14, 2012<BR>
ACDA Members Meeting: 8:00am - 12:00pm<BR>
Fundraising Reception: 12:30pm - 2:00pm<BR>
Special Fundraising Presentations and Celebration: 2:00pm<BR>
Cultural performance & After party: 9:00pm - 2:00am<BR>
<P>
Sunday, July 15, 2012<BR>
Worship Services<BR>
South Sudan Messiah Lutheran Church<BR>
5015 South 80th Street<BR>
Ralston, NE 68127<BR>
Traditional English: 8:30am<BR>
Contemporary English: 11:00am<BR>
Dinka: 1:30pm<BR>
<P>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6c_gcNB7Ghy7NJMgdNAfL7kO1CnWaVc4VQ45MM6OXExkFblr82vCu2q908y8_bGKuCI4k3zs4I0kG9k0VycAsbf0dScvXa3IlYVBhegZu7UvN74Pqm1-h607qL0FhBegUzPnkDRr4sHo/s1600/552481_10150622878095474_1288126680_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="150" width="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6c_gcNB7Ghy7NJMgdNAfL7kO1CnWaVc4VQ45MM6OXExkFblr82vCu2q908y8_bGKuCI4k3zs4I0kG9k0VycAsbf0dScvXa3IlYVBhegZu7UvN74Pqm1-h607qL0FhBegUzPnkDRr4sHo/s200/552481_10150622878095474_1288126680_n.jpg" /></a></div>
<P>
For more information visit <a href="http://www.aycda.org/component/k2/item/118-educational-fundraising-cultural-celebration">www.aycda.org</a> or <a href="http://pongborong.org/">www.pongborong.org</a>Ayual Community Development Associationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12093420057611743033noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9072272867390191161.post-80523387769486595102011-07-05T12:36:00.002-05:002011-07-05T12:47:10.010-05:00South Sudan Independence CelebrationJoin Southern Sudanese and friends of South Sudan to celebrate the birth of the Republic of South Sudan and remember the importance and urgency of keeping peace in Darfur, Abyei, and Southern Kordufan regions.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Who:</span> Hundreds of Illinois residents of Sudanese descent and student anti-genocide activists. (Lead organizations: Sudanese Community Association of Illinois, Save Darfur, Youth United for Darfur).<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">What</span>: We will rally to celebrate the first day of independence for South Sudan--the world’s newest nation--and call for an end to renewed violence in Darfur, Abyei, and Southern Kordufan regions.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Where</span>: Chicago Park District Grove at the intersection of Lake Shore Drive West and Barry Avenue in Chicago, IL.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">When</span>: Saturday, July 9th at 12:00 PM to 3:00pm<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Why</span>: This celebration of South Sudanese independence will be a historic moment for Illinois residents of Sudanese descent, and for students, faith leaders, and anti-genocide activists in our state. The creation of an independent South Sudan will help end decades of violence that has resulted in the deaths of over 2 million people. <br /><br />Participation in this event will demonstrate solidarity with Illinois residents who have fought for years to bring peace to Sudan and make independence a reality.<br /><br />Sponsoring organizations are engaged in a professional and sophisticated campaign to generate media for the event.<br /><br />Join our Facebook groups:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/event.php?eid=210160659021487">South Sudan Independence Celebration</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/event.php?eid=155071621224408">Walk With Darfur</a><br /><br />For more information, contact David Deng at 773-895-6985 or Peter Magai Bul at 773-306-3983.Ayual Community Development Associationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12093420057611743033noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9072272867390191161.post-54643396675253515282010-11-12T15:09:00.003-06:002010-11-12T15:13:25.197-06:00Chloe & Isabel Mozer's Fundraising Project: Engaging American Youth for Educational Projects in Southern SudanBy Peter Magai Bul<br /><br /><br />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:<br /><br /> 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,<br /><br /> 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<br /><br /> 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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />In the mean time, feel free to visit <a href="http://www.firstgiving.com/cimozer">Chloe and Isabel Mozer's fundraising page</a> and <a href="http://www.pongborong.org/">Pongborong Primary School’s web site</a>.Ayual Community Development Associationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12093420057611743033noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9072272867390191161.post-71806424504909625992010-07-30T10:16:00.006-05:002010-07-30T10:24:35.407-05:00Pongborong Primary School Update<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvGfiBwiVURH2FHzb3aMrE7I3y0XgmWU-oFQpCKIuEOgLWGvutZBl5vQUJXz8Z9JMNa_H4_GuvYERhem6pLvAbL73CeNd4F5KXKHn44dKaD-j7b7lLTTQfD-43fcW5pJrVfeGp2WyuHk4/s1600/DSC07337.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvGfiBwiVURH2FHzb3aMrE7I3y0XgmWU-oFQpCKIuEOgLWGvutZBl5vQUJXz8Z9JMNa_H4_GuvYERhem6pLvAbL73CeNd4F5KXKHn44dKaD-j7b7lLTTQfD-43fcW5pJrVfeGp2WyuHk4/s200/DSC07337.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5499718821832992802" border="0" /></a> < <!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:displayhorizontaldrawinggridevery>0</w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery> <w:displayverticaldrawinggridevery>0</w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery> <w:usemarginsfordrawinggridorigin/> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--> <style> <!-- /* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-parent:""; margin:0in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:Times;} @page Section1 {size:8.5in 11.0in; margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in; mso-header-margin:.5in; mso-footer-margin:.5in; mso-paper-source:0;} div.Section1 {page:Section1;} /* List Definitions */ @list l0 {mso-list-id:1065957203; mso-list-type:hybrid; mso-list-template-ids:887541506 984073 1639433 1770505 984073 1639433 1770505 984073 1639433 1770505;} @list l0:level1 {mso-level-tab-stop:.5in; mso-level-number-position:left; text-indent:-.25in;} ol {margin-bottom:0in;} ul {margin-bottom:0in;} --> </style> <!--StartFragment--><span style="font-size:100%;">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.</span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /><o:p></o:p></span><!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]--> <!--[endif]--></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">Funding of the scho<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgXgo4PdGWHQF8sGvigHL2AtkxHPdwDBptIh-rMo1kV8n5RCZE8wX9JJdWLZCr9Bdmjn1cNJ0WTv0lJJpZR_jiKduVM8TkSVH4QBrXiwG5KX6LM5kR14fjtpodVNJHvukMsxnFtrzbA0M/s1600/DSC00099.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgXgo4PdGWHQF8sGvigHL2AtkxHPdwDBptIh-rMo1kV8n5RCZE8wX9JJdWLZCr9Bdmjn1cNJ0WTv0lJJpZR_jiKduVM8TkSVH4QBrXiwG5KX6LM5kR14fjtpodVNJHvukMsxnFtrzbA0M/s200/DSC00099.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5499719081279439250" border="0" /></a>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.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--> <!--[endif]--><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <span style=";font-family:Times;font-size:100%;" >We’re thrilled to see all the hard work and generosity of donors resulting in improved facilities an</span><span style="font-size:100%;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggwZb5GvVY49Be7S-kExaRnldGfqvIwSp7TeibJnbz6RCGZohh9ReURVftwj3YIq-ha9IR9ei-WoLLzH55sXRaRKW6mEmRgvpl-MCOfwtAbcrktkG_Ymtp87POulPUUPgyXuwqNjWh3T0/s1600/24358_376106315473_175483590473_4234756_2964527_n.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggwZb5GvVY49Be7S-kExaRnldGfqvIwSp7TeibJnbz6RCGZohh9ReURVftwj3YIq-ha9IR9ei-WoLLzH55sXRaRKW6mEmRgvpl-MCOfwtAbcrktkG_Ymtp87POulPUUPgyXuwqNjWh3T0/s200/24358_376106315473_175483590473_4234756_2964527_n.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5499719312664868530" border="0" /></a></span><span style=";font-family:Times;font-size:100%;" >d a better educational experience for the teachers and youth o</span><span style=";font-family:Times;font-size:100%;" >f the Ayual Community.</span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggwZb5GvVY49Be7S-kExaRnldGfqvIwSp7TeibJnbz6RCGZohh9ReURVftwj3YIq-ha9IR9ei-WoLLzH55sXRaRKW6mEmRgvpl-MCOfwtAbcrktkG_Ymtp87POulPUUPgyXuwqNjWh3T0/s1600/24358_376106315473_175483590473_4234756_2964527_n.jpg"></a><div style="text-align: center;"><!--EndFragment--> </div>Ayual Community Development Associationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12093420057611743033noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9072272867390191161.post-38107298534976309142010-04-16T11:17:00.002-05:002010-04-16T13:21:41.784-05:00Sudan: A Country's Present & Future<!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p>The Illinois Holocaust Museum and Education Center will host a talk by Dr. Isaiah Majok Dau and a panel discussion with Chicago area Lost Boys of Sudan. Event details are below: <o:p></o:p> <p class="MsoNormal"><!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--><!--[endif]--> <span style="font-weight: bold;">Sunday, April 25</span><sup style="font-weight: bold;">th</sup><span style="font-weight: bold;"> from 2:00 - 4:00 PM</span><o:p style="font-weight: bold;"></o:p><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Goodman Auditorium</span><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Featured Speaker: Dr. Isaiah Majok Dau</span><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">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<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">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.<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">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.<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Dr. Dau is the author of book: <span style="font-style: italic;">Suffering and God: A Theological Study of the War in Sudan</span>. He speaks Dinka, Arabic, Kiswahili, and English. He is married to Lydia and they are blessed with four children, three sons and a daughter.<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Followed by a Panel Discussion and Q&A with:</span><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Malual Awak</span>, President, Sudanese Community Association of Illinois<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Gabriel Dut Atem</span>, Chicago Association for the Lost Boys of Sudan<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Reservations are requested for this free program<o:p></o:p>. To RSVP call 847-967-4844 or email Kelley.Szany@ilhmec.org<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">See <a href="http://www.ilholocaustmuseum.org/pages/community_programs/42.php">Illinois Holocaust Museum & Education Center </a>for more information. <o:p></o:p></p> <!--EndFragment-->Ayual Community Development Associationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12093420057611743033noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9072272867390191161.post-44132780420366864782010-01-28T11:06:00.006-06:002010-01-29T14:21:06.385-06:005th Annual Hope for Sudan Celebration in Chicago<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDXv_iWJ-rkx_Lgxws6-jCsjbepGevhhDsa0MJRFjdFuJRdlCOSlpg1fBiPqYIZuF_Wgn5dvMy4urtb8S_G5-jj8l9RUjvxHZKBqfgAwMjYYIZJDK2a4K_hryl28UbJfS4sHISgvpDKiM/s1600-h/interview.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDXv_iWJ-rkx_Lgxws6-jCsjbepGevhhDsa0MJRFjdFuJRdlCOSlpg1fBiPqYIZuF_Wgn5dvMy4urtb8S_G5-jj8l9RUjvxHZKBqfgAwMjYYIZJDK2a4K_hryl28UbJfS4sHISgvpDKiM/s200/interview.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5431924295703507282" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size:130%;">Join the Lost Boys of Sudan, the Chicago Bulls’ Luol Deng, and friends to celebrate Hope for Sudan.</span><br /></div><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /><br /><br /><br />Sunday, January 31, 2010</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">12pm-5pm</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Truman College</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">1145 W. Wilson Ave</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Chicago, IL 60645</span><br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />Fore more information go online to: www.sudanesecommunitycenter.org, www.lostboyschicago.com, or call Peter Magai Bul at 773-306-3983.<br /><br />The event is free and all are welcome.<br /><br />We hope you join us!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT8_tErkgU5AmIGFbneinwmBkNlVuEHTvpOiYcX7qmp_1MqiEBbWQky0qHeYxciNpRiAX8sC9Fge2irMOrhVvHvgEkNuCXwkzd2kqXoXw9VjVjtEioxchredt2K4FK_auWRzTJTMDaB_U/s1600-h/group.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT8_tErkgU5AmIGFbneinwmBkNlVuEHTvpOiYcX7qmp_1MqiEBbWQky0qHeYxciNpRiAX8sC9Fge2irMOrhVvHvgEkNuCXwkzd2kqXoXw9VjVjtEioxchredt2K4FK_auWRzTJTMDaB_U/s200/group.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5431923750014463026" border="0" /></a>Ayual Community Development Associationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12093420057611743033noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9072272867390191161.post-63249350678374257752009-11-04T22:47:00.003-06:002009-11-04T22:54:49.357-06:00Fundraiser at Chicago Sinai Congregation<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYclKbSF2PIw4uWYtMqif54srjv6AErsVZxmRH-UNB2WB9rZwoxZ_Z3R-YJ_YxlNOvsVx31J5_G8gO0Gl5IpfaR9h3zQMrt9TSRkvZT9aD1GCUaJQoyLmNrYN_DlfWPQenu-T8ZFAsWBg/s1600-h/020.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYclKbSF2PIw4uWYtMqif54srjv6AErsVZxmRH-UNB2WB9rZwoxZ_Z3R-YJ_YxlNOvsVx31J5_G8gO0Gl5IpfaR9h3zQMrt9TSRkvZT9aD1GCUaJQoyLmNrYN_DlfWPQenu-T8ZFAsWBg/s200/020.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5400478478268622242" /></a><br />This summer, the Chicago Sinai Congregation hosted a fundraiser for ACDA’s educational efforts. ACDA members from Illinois and neighboring states joined the congregation and community for this event. ACDA had the opportunity to award the Chicago youth who have been supporting Pongborong Primary School during the last three years. <br /><br />We awarded Eliza Mozer of Chicago Sinai Congregation the 2009 Award of Distinguished Service and Mack Julion of The Faith Community of Saint Sabina an Award Of Appreciation. The students of the Chicago Jewish Day School were also among the honorees, receiving an Award of Appreciation. It was wonderful to be able to honor and thank these young people for their support of Pongborong Primary School and the inspiration they spark among their peers and in their communities. <br /><br />ACDA Vice President John Maluk Yak, who flew from Philadelphia, PA to attend this event, announced a donation of $10,000 from an anonymous donor, which will be followed by an additional $15,000 at the end of the year. Jan Cassidy, whose family hosted two of our ACDA members—Maketh Bul Mabior and Duot Angok Aguer—when they arrived in Chicago in 2001, generously donated $1000. The Northern Trust Charitable Giving Program at the Chicago Community Foundation donated $3000. ACDA is grateful for these donations to support Pongborong Primary School. <br /><br />This event would have not been possible without the support of Chicago’s most authentic African cuisine restaurant, The Ethiopian Diamond located on the North Shore in Roger’s Park, which donated the food for the event. ACDA also wishes to thank the following program staff persons who helped made the Benefit a grand success: Susan Solomon, Deng Akoi Jurkuch, Karen Lilly Mozer, Carol Yanowitz (Miller), Lynda Holiday Lawrence, John Mading Dut, Maketh Bul Mabior, John Deng Ayiel, Seena Jimjimo, Maliet Angok Aguer, Kirsten Putahl, Brandi Reissenweber, Catherine Mungai, Bul Deng Bul, Barbara Rose, and Peter Magai Bul. <br /><br />Please stay tuned for our upcoming announcement about the ACDA 2009-2010 trip to Sudan.Ayual Community Development Associationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12093420057611743033noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9072272867390191161.post-55067769043280084002009-07-13T16:22:00.003-05:002009-07-13T16:35:54.273-05:00Upcoming Event: Support Pongborong Primary SchoolJoin the Ayual Community Development Association, the Chicago Sinai Congregation, and the Ethiopian Diamond Restaurant in a fundraising event to support Pongborong Primary School in Southern Sudan. <br /><br /><B>Saturday, 1 August 2009<br />2:00-4:00 pm<br /><br />Chicago Sinai Congregation<br />15 W Delaware Place<br />Chicago, IL 60610</B><br /><br />Events include: <br /><UL><LI>Lost Boys of Sudan will share their inspiring testimonies about their long journey and current efforts in rebuilding Southern Sudan <br /><LI>recognition of the Chicago youth who have raised thousands of dollars to support Pongborong Primary School<br /><LI>silent auction<br /><LI>reception</UL><br /><br />All are welcome! There is no cost, but donations to ACDA to support Pongborong Primary School are welcome. Donations will go toward: <br /><UL><LI>teachers' monthly stipends ($150 each)<br /><LI>permanent classrooms for roughly 50 students ($5000 each)<br /><LI>student uniforms ($15 each)<br /><LI>teacher uniforms ($30 each)<br /><LI>desks seating 3-4 students ($30 each)</UL><br /><br /><B>Space is limited. Please reserve your tickets now by email or phone. Contact: Peter Magai Bul at petergai@hotmail.com or 773-306-3983.</B><br /><br />For more information, visit www.pongborong.org or www.aycda.orgAyual Community Development Associationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12093420057611743033noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9072272867390191161.post-60578722141489403832009-06-02T13:31:00.004-05:002009-06-03T15:05:18.057-05:00Community Celebrates the Life of an Elder<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipuISJfft-Xg9CEyy1RNxO_KxmfEqhkfxXL_aknbI6DEJ6RohAFJIROLX5S4DwoX5HXyyTgVF-JHn1lcXQYtl4luTfbbTu3GErOMdv474PPKWnZvas2MYa-DkrpQ5pCGDqI630XwkLLzc/s1600-h/th_p-11.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 256px; height: 167px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipuISJfft-Xg9CEyy1RNxO_KxmfEqhkfxXL_aknbI6DEJ6RohAFJIROLX5S4DwoX5HXyyTgVF-JHn1lcXQYtl4luTfbbTu3GErOMdv474PPKWnZvas2MYa-DkrpQ5pCGDqI630XwkLLzc/s320/th_p-11.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5343194814220506146" /></a><br />The Ayuaal Community joyously celebrates the life of our beloved community elder, Uncle Dengdit de Lueth-Kethakoy who passed away on Tuesday, May 19, 2009 at around 5:00pm. Uncle William Deng Lueth, as he was often called, was born in 1906. His generation witnessed the historic war between Kongor and Ayuaal around 1918-1920. His generation, named Chol Ayuaal, symbolizes the need to fill the gaps that the losses of this war created. <br /><br />Ayuaal Community elders testify that only two other individuals of that generation remain alive: Atem-Lonhdit de Adoor and Adoor Juach Loi. His age mates were Joh Deng Bior and Akoi-Lonhdit de Jurkuch. Deng Lueth was a husband of three wives: Ayak Marier, Akoi Yuang Bul and Kuei Akol Chol. He was blessed with ten children. Ajoh, Mayen, Makuol, and Adol with his first wife Ayak. Akuien and Agau with his second wife Akoi. Atong, Adit, Bol, and Khot with his third wife Kuei. <br /><br />Over 800 community members came to celebrate his life and witness his funeral rights. Many stayed at his home for six days formulating ritual functions, singing ululation, and joyously dancing to congratulate him for his wonderful efforts on Earth and to say good by to him with thankful hearts. Many contributed to support the celebration. Jurkuch Barach Jurkuch offered funds and transportation in honor of the deceased. In all, community members donated cash, sorghum, oil, goats, bulls, and drinks.<br /><br />In his 103 years, Deng Lueth never left home for refuge. He survived all the famines, wars, and tribal conflicts that have plagued the Ayuaal community. When disaster was at its most severe destroying Bor in 1992, Deng Lueth ventured only as far as Pajook—a neighboring village. <br /><br />Deng Lueth was known for his excellent public speaking and critical thinking, his charismatic leadership, and quick response to any situation. He was known to be giving and valued peace and unity. He contributed a great deal to the community and was one of the founders of the Wangulei Court Centre in 1972. He also served as Assistant Commissioner of Kongor Division (now Twic East County) in 1989. He ruled as sub-chief of Acath Community and was promoted as an elder of the Ayuaal Community as a whole. <br /><br />Deng Lueth will be remembered for his sweet tongue, invigorating words, and his love and brightness among others in the community. Before his death, he called a meeting to spread blessings to his family members and officially announce that his death was near. He declared his remaining first son, Makuol Deng Lueth, would continue his leadership. <br /><br />Deng Lueth will always be a community role model, since he is alive in his words, vision, and deeds.Ayual Community Development Associationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12093420057611743033noreply@blogger.com27tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9072272867390191161.post-34302546859906434602009-05-06T13:57:00.000-05:002009-05-06T14:05:13.974-05:00Celebrate Sudanese Women This Mother's DayThe Sudanese Community Center is celebrating the Sudanese women of Illinois this mother's day. Join them for a meal to celebrate their accomplishments. Special guests include the real life heroes of the acclaimed film <span style="font-style:italic;">Hotel Rwanda</span>, Paul and Tatianna Rusesabagina. Paul and Tatianna helped to save the lives of over 1,2000 people during the Rwandan genocide. <br /><br />Sunday, May 10th<br />5:00 PM<br />America's Best Inn<br />675 W. Roosevelt Road -- Glen Ellyn, IL 60137<br /><br />To attend RSVP to Sean@SudaneseCommunityCenter.orgAyual Community Development Associationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12093420057611743033noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9072272867390191161.post-86480576614988054412009-04-29T16:49:00.006-05:002009-04-29T17:07:48.728-05:00PPS Students Receive Uniforms<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0yvZSquWJrMYbcPbkzRGfcPj1C7GQFV85Z2_ueXU8aEqbAFuTrYYKUQPwcxx2mdH1J4iH9vQDVZoB6zLkYX955Tvat1Pu3NIofboKyyHWhbYjwQhcc74zLSLgKM6eVOxtbxPs2cebxD4/s1600-h/pps_uniform.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0yvZSquWJrMYbcPbkzRGfcPj1C7GQFV85Z2_ueXU8aEqbAFuTrYYKUQPwcxx2mdH1J4iH9vQDVZoB6zLkYX955Tvat1Pu3NIofboKyyHWhbYjwQhcc74zLSLgKM6eVOxtbxPs2cebxD4/s320/pps_uniform.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5330237398200621026" border="0" /></a><br /><br />A team of ACDA members recently traveled to Southern Sudan and delivered school uniforms for over 400 students and 14 teachers at Pongborong Primary School. Uniforms are important to the school as they identify those affiliated with the school and help promote education within the village.<br /><br />We couldn't have done this without the help of the young people of Chicago. Eliza Mozer, a 13 year old elementary school student from the Chicago Sinai Congregation, raised nearly $8,000 for ACDA’s Pongborong Primary School as a Mitzvah project for her Bat Mitzvah. Her fundraising success inspired and encouraged children age 4 to 10 at the Chicago Jewish Day School to raise $1,000 for PPS. They also wrote letters to the PPS students, which were delivered along with the uniforms. Students from Jones Prep College also raised more than $300.<br /><br />This delivery comes on the heels of earlier contributions from friends in Seattle, WA and ACDA Lost Boys who traveled to Sudan in December of 2008 and brought bicycles for PPS teachers to commute to school, cooking pots for PPS cooks, and school supplies.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheYhs1sGvM63ET43AGKLHtkGjgEBzQMC3NFW45cf4HpHazTsc3K2wxfAyKTf8U77TFwgMrlm8fwF_zcasidgLOpa4CigmwBP2f5yREqwn-AWoLck4xJOKEmH-wkKY-9LsRGqwNwfeQW_E/s1600-h/pps_uniform2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheYhs1sGvM63ET43AGKLHtkGjgEBzQMC3NFW45cf4HpHazTsc3K2wxfAyKTf8U77TFwgMrlm8fwF_zcasidgLOpa4CigmwBP2f5yREqwn-AWoLck4xJOKEmH-wkKY-9LsRGqwNwfeQW_E/s320/pps_uniform2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5330237057897592162" border="0" /></a>Ayual Community Development Associationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12093420057611743033noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9072272867390191161.post-69596824167615988862009-01-16T16:11:00.003-06:002009-01-16T16:14:45.373-06:00Recent Trip to WanguleiFriends of ACDA recently returned from Wangulei, Southern Sudan. For details and photos of their trip visit: <a href="http://www.bike4sudan.com">www.bike4sudan.com</a>. Click on "Visit to Sudan Blog."Ayual Community Development Associationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12093420057611743033noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9072272867390191161.post-22892115763425260592008-12-23T14:49:00.001-06:002008-12-23T14:54:08.141-06:00Upcoming EventsDear friends of the Sudanese,<br /><br />On behalf of the Sudanese Community Association of Illinois (SCAI), I would like to cordially invite you, your family, and friends to our biggest celebration of the year, scheduled for January 4, 2009, at Truman College at 1145 W. Wilson Avenue in Chicago, at 2:00pm. Illinois Sudanese residents are having this Sudanese celebration to commemorate the Lost Boys’ birthdays, Sudan’s Independence Day, the New Year, and to reflect on the 2005 Comprehensive Peace Agreement, which ended decades of war between South and North. Speakers will include the Chicago Bulls forward Luol Deng, Co-chair of the Enough Project John Prendergast, Olympic flag bearer Lopez Lomong, and women’s inspirational speaker Aduei Riak.<br /><br />Our celebration will kick off the night before on Saturday with Lost Boys and their friends celebrating New Year and Birthdays at the Ethiopian Diamond Restaurant located at 6120 N. Broadway in Chicago, from 10:00pm to 2:00pm. One of the Sudanese musicians, Dynamq, will be performing. <br /><br />Since many of you will be celebrating Christmas and New Year with family and friends, I ask that you extend our invitation to them as well.<br /><br />Thank you all for the support you have given us through the year 2008 and I look forward to a New Year rich in love, peace, unity, and progress.<br /><br />Happy Christmas and New Year!!<br /><br />Sincerely,<br />Peter Magai Bul<br />President, Ayual Community Development AssociationAyual Community Development Associationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12093420057611743033noreply@blogger.com49tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9072272867390191161.post-55195436968369151542008-11-02T14:10:00.005-06:002008-11-02T14:17:11.534-06:00ACDA President Peter Magai Bul to Appear on OprahAs new United States citizens, "Lost Boys of Sudan" Peter Magai Bul and Kuek Aleu Garang will be voting for the first time in this year's election. Oprah will feature their experience as first time voters on her show on election day. Tune in on Tuesday, 4 November to see Peter and Kuek along with their guests: former NBA Legend Manute Bol, Malual Mayol Awak (President of the Sudanese Community Association of Illinois), John Dut Kuol (Board Member, Chicago Association for the Lost Boys of Sudan), and Onam Liduba (Acting President, CALBOS). Check <a href="http://www.oprah.com/locallistings" target="_blank">local listings</a> to find when Oprah plays in your area.Ayual Community Development Associationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12093420057611743033noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9072272867390191161.post-88754956577972964592008-11-01T18:14:00.001-05:002008-11-01T18:14:49.519-05:00This Year's Trip to Southern SudanFollowing up on last year’s assessment trip, many Ayual community members and friends will travel to Southern Sudan this upcoming November and December. Those traveling include ACDA state representatives David Yak Mayen, John Mading Dut, and Angok Manyuon, former president of ACDA David Biar Gak, former board chairman of ACDA Deng Wal Biar, current deputy board chairman of ACDA Jim Thompson, ACDA members Jima Bul Magiir, Malith Bul Ajak, Bul Deng Bul, and friends of ACDA Craig and Colin Sternagel, Ariahna Jones, and Susan Gordon. <br /><br />Some of the projects planned for this year’s trip include continued assessment, evaluation of the health clinic and building progress, and providing materials for the continued success of Pongborong Primary School, including cooking materials for the five cooks who prepare food for the children, bicycles for teachers, and school supplies.Ayual Community Development Associationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12093420057611743033noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9072272867390191161.post-67742488339173861092008-10-24T12:52:00.003-05:002008-10-24T12:55:59.753-05:00Thank You to Eliza MozerEliza Mozer has raised over $7,500 for the ACDA!<br /><br />Our heartfelt thank you to Eliza Mozer, her parents, Karen and Jordan, and her younger sisters, Chloe and Isabel, for their tremendous efforts in fundraising for the ACDA. Eliza’s Mitzvah fundraising project has touched many people’s hearts in a way that will never be forgotten. In addition to raising awareness and funds for Pongborong Primary School in Southern Sudan, Eliza has also inspired people of all ages, giving them the courage, energy, and commitment to make a difference in their communities and beyond.<br /><br />Our deep appreciation also goes to all the people, mostly from the Jewish Community, who supported Eliza by generously donating funds to her fundraising effort. Special thanks, also, to the Wisconsin-based Jewish Community Foundation, who are also contributing. Their support of Eliza’s Pongborong Primary School project will not only have impact on the education of Sudanese chlidren, but on all young people who helped make this fundraising effort a success. This project is a reminder that everything is possible.<br /><br />Eliza’s overall goal is to raise $10,000. If you want to help her toward that goal or learn more about her project, visit her <a href="http://www.firstgiving.com/elizamozer" target="_blank">website</a>: http://www.firstgiving.com/elizamozerAyual Community Development Associationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12093420057611743033noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9072272867390191161.post-68727948274471537512008-10-16T17:11:00.005-05:002008-10-16T17:17:18.499-05:00A New Alliance to Rebuild Southern Sudan<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLpW-Tzo6JDhxRbfDdFIq_i6bBud0HTltbMwEFQlxRp5o3639F49UXn8CkKsn7x0_N9Sc7dRWA2EfANw9MbKwCGg_0t_bFZbbFNc0wWfwLjwImtjsKF20EPqAPaN1sy9bqbb_xwDEJ3Cg/s1600-h/alliance.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLpW-Tzo6JDhxRbfDdFIq_i6bBud0HTltbMwEFQlxRp5o3639F49UXn8CkKsn7x0_N9Sc7dRWA2EfANw9MbKwCGg_0t_bFZbbFNc0wWfwLjwImtjsKF20EPqAPaN1sy9bqbb_xwDEJ3Cg/s200/alliance.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5257879116224314514" border="0" /></a>September 20-21st about 40 Sudanese Lost Boys and their American friends representing more than 15 US-based non profit organizations rebuilding Southern Sudan gathered in Rochester, New York for the first time to discuss the formation of an alliance. ACDA president Peter Magai Bul helped to coordinate this effort and he, along with Brandi Reissenweber, attended this meeting to lay the groundwork for the alliance.<br /><br />Individually, many of the organizations involved have already made a real impact in Southern Sudan. ACDA has helped establish and support Pongborong Primary School. The John Dau Sudan Foundation has built and runs a hospital in Duk County. Water for Sudan has drilled new boreholes providing clean water in several communities in Southern Sudan. Working together, however, we can make an even larger impact, providing the framework of primary and secondary school education, clean water, better access to health care and developing agricultural programs.<br /><br />Read more at RNews: <a href="http://www.rnews.com/Story_2004.cfm?ID=65123&rnews_story_type=18&category=10" target="_blank">Rochester Sends Hope to Sudan</a>Ayual Community Development Associationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12093420057611743033noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9072272867390191161.post-6292551684792722302008-10-02T14:55:00.002-05:002008-10-02T14:58:02.708-05:00Relief in HaitiA friend of ACDA has asked us to help spread the word about support needed in hurricane relief efforts in Haiti. If you want to learn more and help, read this <a href="http://www.haitiancongress.com/media/HaitiHurricaneReliefLetter.pdf"target= "_blank">letter</a> from the <a href="http://www.haitiancongress.com/" target= "_blank">Haitian Congress to Fortify Haiti</a>.Ayual Community Development Associationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12093420057611743033noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9072272867390191161.post-80115940722282690012008-09-12T07:26:00.005-05:002008-09-12T07:39:34.549-05:00Eliza Mozer Fundraiser for Pongborong Primary School<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2Mh0NHUNbCE6EgJmGF0R8PqP3zq6IrqSIDaykg8RaDIlz7daZUfbPu25yN22OtNb7kJmvmb7Uv5kV8LJVlDcUtD-1z7ax5RL-Bw7ssUTirlqwl2-Tfua-2iTXxJhaHxAnO8jRqYvgjKk/s1600-h/pps.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2Mh0NHUNbCE6EgJmGF0R8PqP3zq6IrqSIDaykg8RaDIlz7daZUfbPu25yN22OtNb7kJmvmb7Uv5kV8LJVlDcUtD-1z7ax5RL-Bw7ssUTirlqwl2-Tfua-2iTXxJhaHxAnO8jRqYvgjKk/s200/pps.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5245113402797145826" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">As Eliza quoted in her Bat Mitzvah speech on Saturday: </span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">“Be the change you want to see in the world.” ~Mahatma Gandhi</span><br /><br />Eliza Mozer, a 13-year-old daughter of Karen and Jordon Mozer, sets a shining example of how young people can bring change to help those in far away lands. Last year, with the support of religious school leader Heidi Kon, Eliza’s synagogue, Chicago Sinai Congregation, was able to raise funds in the amount of $5,000 to benefit the ACDA.<br /><br />In early September, Eliza had a Bat Mitzvah (a Jewish coming of age ceremony). As a “Mitzvah Project” (a charitable activity), Eliza chose to raise money for the ACDA’s Pongborong Primary School in Southern Sudan, which has an enrollment of over 800 students from grades 1-7. Every $15 buys a school uniform for a child, and every $30 buys a desk for a child that now studies at a dirt mound.<br /><br />While Eliza wanted to be more helpful beyond just raising money, she has so far raised over $1,000 for the school. Eliza’s family will also host a fundraiser at their home in late September for invited guests. A friend and associate of theirs will prepare Sudanese cuisine and several members of ACDA will deliver a presentation, share their personal experiences and respond to questions from invited guests. Among those speaking will be Peter Magai Bul, ACDA’s President, and Maketh Bul Mabior, Duot Angok Aguer, John Deng Ayiel, John Mading Dut, and Deng Akoi Jurkuch. These young men are among the “Lost Boys of Sudan” who, as children, walked thousands of miles to escape the violence of Sudan’s civil war.<br /><br />Sudan has long been in a state of turmoil, with a civil war that has killed over 2 million people and displaced over 4 million from Southern Sudan, and a genocide that has killed about 300,000 and displaced roughly 2.5 million in Darfur.<br /><br />If you would like to support Eliza’s fundraising initiative, please consider making a donation by sending your check made payable to:<br /><br />Ayual Community Development Association<br />In the memo line write<br />"Eliza Mozer Fundraiser for PPS"<br /><br />Send your donation to:<br />Ayual Community Development Association<br />5703 Finbourough Court<br />Richmond, VA 23228<br /><br />Or visit <a href="http://www.aycda.org/detail.html" target="_blank">ACDA's website</a> to donate by credit card and or also on <a href="http://www.firstgiving.com/elizamozer" target="_blank">Eliza Mozer’s web site</a>.<br /><br />Donations are tax deductible.<br /><br />For more information, please contact Karen or Eliza Mozer at kmozer@rcn.com and emozer@rcn.comAyual Community Development Associationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12093420057611743033noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9072272867390191161.post-17204340250449431132008-08-18T13:16:00.005-05:002008-08-18T13:39:41.833-05:00Congressman Frank Wolf: A Man of Principle and Courage<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLWp9ZDsaU1ycJJjvNOBxBSYj6tbAoXi47vOe8n_X00syx6cbAICPiyJ9GQAe-hG8kz0du6EkgDQ0aLqTEGp_2r41GflyO1mfBikIoz5zh7Ou6BtH4hzLJfIFOoHKHUC3MtmuB7xCEXrc/s1600-h/n500190782_998669_4388.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLWp9ZDsaU1ycJJjvNOBxBSYj6tbAoXi47vOe8n_X00syx6cbAICPiyJ9GQAe-hG8kz0du6EkgDQ0aLqTEGp_2r41GflyO1mfBikIoz5zh7Ou6BtH4hzLJfIFOoHKHUC3MtmuB7xCEXrc/s320/n500190782_998669_4388.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5235928181859331570" border="0" /></a><span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);font-size:78%;" >Congressman Frank Wolf (center) with (from left to right) David Biar Gak, Peter Magai Bul, John Dut Kuol, John Chol Pajieth</span><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">A note from the Friends of Congressman Frank Wolf:</span><br /><br />For many Americans, Frank Wolf is a Congressman from Virginia. But for thousands of helpless innocent civilians from South Sudan to Rwanda and from China to the Balkans, Frank Wolf is the defender of the forgotten and at times the lonely voice for the victims of government abuses and genocide. When very few people care to listen to the victims of abuse in South Sudan, Nuba, and Darfur, Frank Wolf was there. His commitment, dedication, and courage to stand up for what he believes are unparalleled.<br /><br />When children were being bombed in schools and villages in remote places in South Sudan, Frank Wolf stood with them despite the enormous risks and difficulties. Congressman Frank Wolf first went to Sudan in April 1989 to visit the war zones of South Sudan. He was the first American to enter Torit, a major town in the South, which had just been liberated by the Sudan Peoples Liberation Army (SPLA). Since that first visit to Torit, Congressman Wolf never stopped to fight for millions of helpless people in Sudan.<br /><br />During his risky and difficult visit, Mr. Wolf met and came to know well Dr. John Garang, the visionary head of the SPLM. Dr. John continually spoke of his vision of a “New Sudan”, a Sudan of equality and democracy for all Sudanese governed with integrity. The late Dr Garang said of Frank Wolf on a number of occasions that “Frank is a man of principle, who always stood with us.” Congressman Wolf never asked for recognition and in fact he always expressed his appreciation for other people. In a meeting in his office with Vice President Salva Kiir last year, Mr. Wolf told President Salva that “the world should thank you for fighting for the freedom of your people and for standing firm against the regime in Khartoum.”<br /><br />Mr. Wolf, well known as a defender of the helpless, is an American hero, a leader on international life-and-death issues that his constituents may not be fully aware of, and a moral giant in terms similar to those of one of his own personal heroes, British abolitionist leader William Wilberforce. At the height of the Sudanese conflict and when the SPLM desperately needed help, an ill-informed senior American official, without proper authorization, informed regional leaders that they should not assist the SPLM. When Frank Wolf got briefed about this development, he took Administration officials to task. Had that policy remained in place, the SPLM would have been weakened militarily and the Sudanese government would have pursued its military campaign instead of negotiations.<br /><br />Mr. Wolf’s commitment to the people of Sudan is fueled by his personal commitment to peace, justice, equality and good governance, as well as his awareness that Khartoum has presided over the entirely unnecessary war-related deaths of more than two million human beings in Sudan during the NIF/NCP’s rule, one of the largest civilian body counts since the Holocaust. There is an African proverb that accurately describes the man we call the defender of the helpless: He who tells the truth is never wrong! Mr. Wolf consistently and tirelessly spoke the truth in defense of the victims. Another African proverb says “He, who does not seize opportunity today, will be unable to seize tomorrow's opportunity.” We certainly don’t want to miss this important opportunity to say thank you for all that you have done and continue to do to help those in need.<br /><br />Dear friends, we invite you to join us express our appreciations to Congressman Frank Wolf at an event on August 25, 2008 at 5:00PM. The event will be held at Hunan Dynasty Restaurant: 215 Pennsylvania Ave. SE Washington, D.C. Please invite all your friends. RSVP at: friendsofwolf@gmail.com<br /><br />Sincerely,<br />Roger Winter<br />Ted Dagne<br />Rebecca Garang<br />Mia Farrow<br />Brian D’Silva<br />John Prendergast<br />Ezekiel Lol Gatkuoth<br />Faith McDonnellAyual Community Development Associationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12093420057611743033noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9072272867390191161.post-79793002531059288052008-08-12T11:24:00.002-05:002008-08-12T11:30:39.099-05:00Health Care in Southern SudanAccording to <a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/katine/2008/jul/02/katineg8.background2" target="_blank">Grace Mukasa</a> of the <a href="http://www.amref.org/" target="_blank">African Medical and Research Foundation</a>, there are only 700 health care workers in all of Southern Sudan. One hundred of those are doctors. They serve over eight million people. That's approximately 1 health care worker for every 11,500 people. Compare that with Europe, where there are 19 health care workers for every 1000 people. <br /><br />Part of our plan for the <a href="http://www.aycda.org/projects.htm" target="_blank">Pongborong Health Care Clinic</a> is to train health care workers who can serve in the clinic and in mobile units to travel to the more remote areas. <br /><br />These statistics are sobering reminders of just how vital this project is for the Ayual community and Southern Sudan.Ayual Community Development Associationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12093420057611743033noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9072272867390191161.post-78096170297577292622008-07-30T09:57:00.007-05:002008-07-30T10:19:22.749-05:00Remembering Dr. John Garang de MabiorACDA President Peter Magai Bul writes:<br /><p><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzau_2uato4w_ll7uJPH1rRDEhmRNC4ZROi9MwEmkiFInwZIEHRL4Pk_Ic1KW63I3YCXdbuOYVklYcD1LUZwN_4xBnr5tctKhVBAxrC69irvo8YRgL2SWfLnP398HGvhsvEJDzeDy5gzo/s1600-h/John_Garang.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzau_2uato4w_ll7uJPH1rRDEhmRNC4ZROi9MwEmkiFInwZIEHRL4Pk_Ic1KW63I3YCXdbuOYVklYcD1LUZwN_4xBnr5tctKhVBAxrC69irvo8YRgL2SWfLnP398HGvhsvEJDzeDy5gzo/s320/John_Garang.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5228825249263788386" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 102, 0);">Dr. Garang's Final Words to Over Twelve Thousand Sudanese Lost Boys & Girls in America</span></span><br />Members of Nyuak Community (of which the Ayual Community belongs) in Sudan and all over the world will be commemorating and reflecting on Dr. John Garang’s life today. Dr. John Garang, who was the first Vice President of the Republic of Sudan, first president of South Sudan, and Chairman and Commander in Chief of the SPLA/M, perished in a helicopter crash on the 30th of July in 2005. Garang, who was born in 1945 in Wangulei, found in Twic East County of Jongulei state in Southern Sudan, was special to the Sudanese Lost Boys & and Girls and so were we to him. Although he used to regularly visit us in Ethiopia during the 80s and 90s, Garang’s final visit with us was in Phoenix, AZ in 2004 at the 1st National Conference & Reunion. More than 12,000 Sudanese Lost Boys and Girls and American friends attended this event. Dr. John Garang spoke in a tone I never heard in his past speeches—as if he knew that his life and work of liberating oppressed Sudanese were coming to an end. He congratulated and honored our successes and accomplishments and he informed, advised, educated, encouraged, and warned Sudanese Lost Boys and Girls about the unfinished jobs that he believed his US Ambassadors (Lost Boys and Girls) are capable of pursuing. Sudan’s Ambassador to Japan, Setepano Wondu, has shared Dr. John Garang’s full speech here: <a href="http://www.sudantribune.com/spip.php?article28049" target="_blank">"Viva John Garang"</a><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 102, 0);">Mayor Phil Gordon's Message to the Same Twelve Thousand Sudanese Lost Boys and Girls</span></span><br />At the 1st National Conference & Reunion, Phil Gordon, Mayor for the City of Phoenix, generosity welcomed thousands of the Sudanese Lost Boys and Girls, including Sudanese officials led by late Dr. John Garang. Mayor Gordon shared this message with us for years ago:<br /><br /></p><blockquote>“….Even before you have completed the task of organizing yourselves nationally, you have the eyes of the world upon you at this very gathering. I am confident in your ability to come together in a spirit of unity towards a greater good – bringing the world’s awareness to the plight of the desperate people in South Sudan. I have great faith that you will conduct your business as responsible leaders, rising above factional and political differences. As you speak, Phoenix will hear and learn about the Lost Boys and Girls of Sudan, the children of Sudan’s war-torn countryside. Millions of your people, including children, have lost their lives. Millions of your people have no voice, except through you. Millions of your people have no future, except through you. The despair and tragedy spans every tribe, every religion, every language, and every culture found in your vast land. But they still hold out hope for a day where they will again know the security and comfort of their family’s love, the prosperity of a country no longer at war, and peace in their homeland. Such cherished dreams will require all of the love, work, faith, trust and compassion we can assemble as allies and friends across the world. If you master this spirit of unity at your first national conference over these next three days, you will truly be maturing into the leaders deeply needed by your country. Each one of you has my respect and admiration for enduring a life that no child should ever face, for recognizing that the road ahead is still long, filled with both hardship and unexpected joy, self-discipline and the barest glimpse of cherished dreams”</blockquote><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 102, 0);">When We Lost Him</span></span><br /><br />Video: <a href="http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=58338195563" target="_blank">"Dr. John Garang Memory Day" </a><br /><br />A few days after my return from the 1st National Sudanese Lost Boys and Girls Conference & Reunion in Phoenix, AZ, many of the Chicago’s Lost Boys and their American friends began discussing Dr. John Garang’s safely and future of Sudan should he sign the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA). On a Thursday night at a gathering at St. Paul's By-The-Lake Episcopal Church Sylvester Bona and Karen called me to their table to answer some of the questions that were most concerning. Why would Dr. John Garang sign the CPA if Southern Sudan’s oil and other resource would be shared 50-50 between the North and South? Would it be safe for Dr. John Garang to go to Khartoum to sign the agreement? I simply told them it would be okay for the South to have a share of 50% instead of the 0% they have been getting since the discovery of oil in Sudan, perhaps to even, once again, prepare their army for a third war if the CPA is later violated again. As for Garang’s safety, I told them Dr. John Garang doesn’t favor his life more than the lives of 2.5 millions Sudanese who died during the 22 years of sacrifice. Garang knew Sudanese heroes would continue sacrificing, should something take his life.<br /><br />These same issues came up often and we discussed them at length. About 11 months later, many of us were speechless as we learned about Garang’s death. It was at 9pm on the day of Garang's death that one of the Sudanese Lost Boys, Peter Barach Kuany from Omaha, Nebraska, called me at work and asked, “Magai, have you heard anything from Sudan today?”<br /><br />I replied, “No.”<br /><br />“I am not sure, but something bad happened,” Peter said.<br /><br />I asked Peter to hang up the phone and told him that I will go and check the internet before I call him back. I began to wonder whether Garang has been assassinated. I rushed to the internet and Garang’s death everywhere in the news. Many Lost Boys across the US and those in Africa began calling me, but I was speechless. Many of the Lost Boys, including my roommates, didn't show up at the work the following days. No one was talking or eating. My Kenyan friend, Simon Ogeto, who writes for the <span style="font-style: italic;">Mashariki News</span>, called me and asked if I had any thoughts for the Sudanese Community and their American friends. I told him that I wasn’t ready for a phone interview and preferred to send him a brief email note, which he published and shared with everyone: <a href="http://www.masharikileo.com/mm-chicagonews-garang080106.htm" target="_blank">"Sudan's Vice President Garang dies in copter crash; peace deal at risk." </a><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 102, 0);">Fulfilling Dr. John Garang's Dream and Vision</span></span><br />Dr. John Garang has taught us much and we have so much to remember about him and his leadership. With the educational opportunities we are providing to children in Sudanese villages, I believe that Sudan, in Garang’s own words, will never be the same again. Sudan Ambassador to Japan, Setepano Wondu has much more on Dr. John Garang’s dreams, vision, and work as you can read in her series of articles at Sudan Tribune: <a href="http://www.sudantribune.com/spip.php?article27942" target="_blank">Part 1</a>, <a href="http://www.sudantribune.com/spip.php?article27981" target="_blank">Part 2</a>, <a href="http://www.sudantribune.com/spip.php?article28049" target="_blank">Part 3</a>, <a href="http://www.sudantribune.com/spip.php?article28071" target="_blank">Part 4</a>Ayual Community Development Associationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12093420057611743033noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9072272867390191161.post-17416223537836698482008-07-21T10:45:00.003-05:002008-07-21T10:56:27.942-05:00Sudanese Music & Dance Festival 2008ACDA president Peter Magai Bul writes:<br /><br />Dear friends,<br /><br />Perhaps, some of you were at the Millennium Park's Sudanese Music & Dance Festival 2008, but here is Southern Sudan's Kennedy performing Thursday, July 10:<br /><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/YITYrJFOoQ0&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/YITYrJFOoQ0&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /><br />The concert just ended with a special after party at the Ethiopian Diamond Restaurant Sunday night. Thanks to those who attended the concert!Ayual Community Development Associationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12093420057611743033noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9072272867390191161.post-8877837995916639482008-07-11T19:56:00.003-05:002008-07-11T20:03:34.766-05:002008 Benefit Dinner<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMtTf7ewKB1s9iAylWy91EJGZXFTAziG-a_JZmYL0DSzhUkQOP9qCrTtMSh4jNLGhlTiHQEctRDJmLaDO-x7ZXcQFX-lQheq3fEFqAwIFXVt4rY4fKuLE2tA4eGmO9ige3Bn56k06dL_A/s1600-h/IMG_0372.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMtTf7ewKB1s9iAylWy91EJGZXFTAziG-a_JZmYL0DSzhUkQOP9qCrTtMSh4jNLGhlTiHQEctRDJmLaDO-x7ZXcQFX-lQheq3fEFqAwIFXVt4rY4fKuLE2tA4eGmO9ige3Bn56k06dL_A/s200/IMG_0372.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5221926400127357442" border="0" /></a><br />Last Saturday’s benefit dinner was a great opportunity for fellowship and fundraising. Several of the “Lost Boys of Sudan” talked about their experience during the war in Sudan, in Kakuma Refugee Camp, and adjusting to life in America. John Maluk Yak, Vice President of ACDA read one of his poems-in-progress:<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><blockquote>Memory of our journey<br /><br />War, genocide, torture, persecution<br />War, separation, long walk<br /><br />When we left our country, running for life<br />we didn’t know we would feed on trees!<br />Hunger! O boy we were Hungry!<br /><br />War, separation, long walk<br /><br />When we left our country, running for life<br />we didn’t know we would walk the desert!<br />Long desert! Long walk! O boy we were thirsty!<br /><br />War, separation, long walk<br /><br />When we left our country, running for life<br />we didn’t know we would swim the rivers!<br />Crocodiles! O boy we were drowning!<br /><br />War, separation, long walk<br /><br />When we left our country, running for life<br />we didn’t know we would walk over a thousands miles!<br />Long way long walk! O boy O our feet!<br /><br />War, separation, long walk<br /><br />When we left our country, running for life<br />we didn’t know we would suffer in the bush, suffer hunger, suffer thirst,<br />suffer disease, suffer homesickness in refugee camps, in Ethiopia, Kenya<br />Africa my continent…..<br /><br />War, separation, long walk<br /><br />When we left our country, running for life<br />we didn’t know we would keep moving,<br />moving across the world …escaping war, genocide, torture, persecution<br /><br />When we came to America,<br />We were called Lost Boys, “Lost Boys” of Sudan,<br />Sudan… “Lost Boys” of Sudan….<br /><br />War, separation, long walk</blockquote><br />John went on to talk about his experience in High School in the US and how difficulties with the language caused problems:<br /><br /><blockquote>Sometimes I was confused and said to some boys, “hi, you look beautiful”! They were so mad and were about to beat me! They responded, “we are not girls, we are boys, my friend”, and I apologized to them.<br /><br />The question came afterward, “John, do you like girls?” Yes, I love them my friends. Why? They laughed and said, “Don't call us beautiful, ok? Here in America, we do not call boys beautiful. We only call girls beautiful!”</blockquote><br />In addition to John, David Biar Gak, Jacob Bol Bul, Peter Magai Bul, and Deng Akoi Jurkuch spoke. Senator Jacqueline Collins and Reverend Cedric L. McCay were in attendance to offer a message of support. ACDA is grateful to the Faith Community of Saint Sabina and Reverend Michael Louis Pfleger for opening their doors for this benefit dinner.<br /><br />The dinner itself was a feast of traditional Sudanese food. Delicious!Ayual Community Development Associationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12093420057611743033noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9072272867390191161.post-24974443846053270492008-07-10T20:59:00.006-05:002008-07-10T21:15:38.830-05:00War Crimes<a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2008/07/11/world/africa/11sudan.html?ex=1373428800&en=bb4d32c5c8637938&ei=5124&partner=permalink&exprod=permalink" target="_blank"><span style="font-style: italic;">The New York Times</span> reports</a> on the “increasing likelihood” that Luis Moreno-Ocampo, the prosecutor of the <a href="http://www.icc-cpi.int/about.html" target="_blank">International Criminal Court</a>, will ask judges for an arrest warrant for Sudan’s president, <a href="http://www.time.com/time/specials/2007/time100/article/0,28804,1595326_1615513_1614671,00.html" target="_blank">Omar Hassan al-Bashir</a> for the war crimes in Darfur:<br /><br /><blockquote>The indictment of a sitting head of state in a war-torn country would not be unprecedented: Slobodan Milosevic of Serbia and Charles Taylor of Liberia were both charged by international war crimes courts while in office.<br /><br />But the complexity and fragility of Sudan’s multiple conflicts have led many diplomats, analysts and aid workers to worry that the Sudanese government could lash out at the prosecutor’s move by expelling Western diplomats and relief workers who provide aid to millions of people displaced by the fighting, provoking a vast crisis and shutting the door to vital diplomatic efforts to bring lasting peace.<br /><br />The dueling objectives have exposed a growing tension: between justice and peace, that is, between the prosecution of war criminals and the compromises of diplomacy.</blockquote><br />Tensions between the North and South are at an all time high since the conflict in May over oil-rich <a href="http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/7442872.stm" target="_blank">Abyei</a>, which displaced 50,000 people. Some argue this move against the president can make an already shaky situation much worse. Other analysts disagree, saying this increased pressure could change the government’s behavior. A precarious situation.Ayual Community Development Associationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12093420057611743033noreply@blogger.com0