Notes from the Field: November

Notes from the Field:

It is November, and being the month of giving thanks in the United States, I thought I would do the same here in Sudan. I am currently in Juba, South Sudan meeting with World Bank officials, different United Nations agencies, and other NGOs working in Sudan. Everywhere I go I am thankful for all of the much-needed work NESEI is doing. Children are in the field playing football when they should be in school. Mothers who discover we are building schools quickly show me their children and ask to have them attend. The need for education is evident everywhere.  Every step I take, I am thankful for the interactions, for the words of support, for the beginnings of a new Sudan that NESEI is helping to build.

I met some foreigners working with in anti-corruption efforts within the government of Southern Sudan. They were intrigued by NESEI's approach to education: a commitment to not only provide a quality education to our students, but also allow individuals to develop skills in particular areas that the country desperately needs. A trip to the local hospital in Juba is a stark indicator that community health workers are vital, and largely unavailable, to the local population. What struck me most about the men from the government was what they said when we parted ways: "You are doing something useful for Sudan. Our work will be useful in 5 or 10 years, but your work is useful now."

We can all be thankful for our contributions towards building peace through education in Sudan. Thank you for helping NESEI to bring education to this region.

In Peace,

Katie Hatch, Sudan Co-Director

Presiding Episcopal Bishop Offers Support to NESEI

On Nov. 2, The Most Reverend Katharine Jefferts Schori, presiding bishop of the Episcopal Church, came to Burlington to speak about the Millennium Development Goals, as well as lend support to NESEI's efforts to meet these important development standards.

Jefferts Schori, who had a career as an oceanographer before becoming an Episcopal priest, is the first female presiding Bishop of the Episcopal church. Her talk, which took place at Ira Chapel at UVM, focused on the importance of the MDGs and their intrinsic connection to Christianity's original tenets.

NESEI Co-Founder Atem Deng, who was introduced by Vermont Bishop Thomas Ely, preceded her talk with a welcome address that brought attention to the dire situation in Sudan, and the need to support organizations such as NESEI.

"Our Christian community in Sudan has experienced a lot of oppression," said Atem. "Now we are trying to rebuild our country and we need the support of the global Christian community, particularly in the U.S."

All donations from the event went to benefit NESEI's programs in Sudan. 

Notes from the Field

Katie Hatch-Notes from the Field:

Since September, I have been in Uganda piecing all sorts of logistical parts together. Uganda is still a place many Sudanese call home until returning to Sudan is possible. I have had chances to reconnect with many Sudanese I met in 2005 on my first trip to Africa.

 

Often the conversation turns to Sudan and what is hindering them from returning home. What I hear reinforces my belief in NESEI and encourages all of our efforts to build peace through education in Sudan. I rejoice even further when I know that NESEI is creating the next generation of human resources for Sudan, starting with the health care sector. I have come to understand, once again, that education and health care are at the top of the list of what is missing from Southern Sudan, and a major  reason why many Sudanese are still in Uganda.

 

One family I met had gone back to Sudan, but all five family members became ill with worms and malaria. Returning to Uganda was the only option for them. They are now receiving medical care, and the father is hoping to return to Sudan in the next month or two. His hope is that his family can join him in the future, but until there are schools and other needed services this will not be possible. 

 

We can, and are, influencing the state of development in Southern Sudan. Education is the first vital step, and NESEI a key player. I can not thank you enough for your support, dedication and energy to allow peace and education to shine throughout Sudan!

 

In Peace,

Katie Hatch, Sudan Co-Director