Tuesday, August 5, 2008

Update on NESEI School

A Campus Progress Report:
The students at NESEI's school, near Yei, Sudan have been very busy in the months following the school's opening in May.  Classes started early in June and mid-term exams were given in late July, in both English and math. Library books have been donated by UNHCR, allowing students to choose from reading materials other than their basic school text books. Several campus clubs have been initiated, including a debate club, a news desk, and a choir. A campus-wide bonfire was held in early July, at which students danced, sang, and read a poem to the assembled NESEI audience. Corn that had been grown at the NESEI campus was eaten at the bonfire, to celebrate a good harvest. 

NESEI students participated in several live videoconferences with U.S. students, thanks to their access to Skype technology. During the skype chat, NESEI's students danced and sang, and spoke to the U.S. students about their school. NESEI is planning on implementing skype calls to U.S. schools into their education program in Sudan, allowing students in Sudan to better understand computer technology, and have more opportunities to directly connect with people of other cultures. 

In July, NESEI worked with Winrock International to bring 10 girls from the conflicted region of Abyei, and 18 from Bahr al Ghazal to the NESEI school. The students' tuition and other 
fees have been covered by Winrock until the girls graduate from NESEI's secondary program. NESEI hopes to accept more students who have received Winrock scholarships as the school's facilities can be expanded. Currently, the school has immediate need for support to build a girls' dorm, to allow more students to enroll. There are currently 75 female students attending the school. 

The campus medical clinic has opened and a certified nurse now serves as a teacher and health provider to the campus community. Below, she is pictured attending to a site staff member. The school farm continues to thrive, producing food that is feeding the campus community, and
excess yield that has been sold to local businesses and markets.