PESS LOGO 2012
Summer 2013
Vol. 5, Issue 1
Chronicles of Hope
Donate Here
In this Issue
Director's Corner
Construction Progress at Pagook
PESS New Staff
4th Arts & Artifacts Benefit a Success
South Sudan Independence Day

Director's Corner USA-South Sudan

 

Thank you for your continued support as PESS moves into its final phase of transition. We are fulfilling our mission of incorporating local leadership development for sustainable futures in each of the villages we have worked with to bring educational infrastructure. Daniel Majok Gai, South Sudan Director and Carol Francis-Rinehart, US Director have been working this past six months on the following to ensure local empowerment and the completion of the "brick & mortar" phase:

  • Korbel School of International Studies Grad Interns completed, after two years of research, a PESS Student Leadership and HIV/AIDS Leadership Program to be shared with South Sudan Ministries of Education and Healthcare and other universities and organizations.
  • This Fall PESS will complete a Feminine Hygiene Sanitary Pad vocational program when former PESS Admin, Alex Sheldon returns from her summer internship at Kibera, Kenya.
  • PESS partner Ears to Our World (ETOW) has once again supplied over 40 teachers with new updated hand crank short wave teacher resource radios.
  • Ayak Anguei Girls' four classrooms destroyed last May from a tornado have been rebuilt thanks to UKAID and Hold the Child with the oversight of PESS South Sudan Director. PESS and UKAID are supplying desks.
  • Marc Nikkel Primary School last four classrooms are now complete with their new windows and doors thanks to the Diocese of Southwestern Virginia.
  • PESS became an implementer for World Food Programme with Daniel Gai, South Sudan Director overseeing 20 schools reconstruction and food for work.
  • We thank BloodSource, Sacramento, CA employees for their third water well they have funded! The most recent was drilled in the village of Pagook. BloodSource employees are now raising funds to help complete the Tong Pagook Primary School last four classrooms!
    Daniel Majok Gai in PESS office in
     Bor, South Sudan
  • We thank once again our" Sister School" Colorado Women's College for their continued support of their little sisters at Ayak Anguei Girls Primary School. PESS was once again a benefactor of their Half the Sky Fair which raised $2,500 for the Feminine Hygiene Sanitary Pad vocational program at Ayak Anguei.
  • Thank you She's The First who has now funded over 25 sponsorships for orphan girls who are outstanding in their academics at Ayak Anguei Girls' School, as well as those who have matriculated onto secondary school in Bortown.
  • We are proud to announce Ayak Anguei had 17 of 23 girls matriculate to secondary school in a country where only 0.8% go to primary and less than that continue to secondary!
  • Annah Angeth Awan, Tong Pagook graduate, along with two other Ayak Anguei graduates were admitted into the most prestigious secondary school in Jonglei State, Malek Secondary Academy. Annah is an honor student whose brother and mother keep inspiring her to fulfill her dream of becoming a doctor.
  • Joanna Kahlow & her parents Paul & Marion Eidsmore have committed to a four year sponsorship to Tong Pagook Honor Student, Rachael Anai Agau.
  • A group of San Diego professional women organized by Monique Carter hosted a Half the Sky Dinner and raised over $3,500 for the Student Leadership & HIV/AIDS program at Ayak Anguei Girls School.
  • Thanks to Wellington Middle School students for raising $650 dollars for the Tong Pagook Primary School Garden on their Walk for Sudan this spring.
  • PESS finally, after two years. is registered with the Ministry of Justice, Government of South Sudan. With a newly emerging country, each and every NGO , company, business, association and society has to register in accordance with the South Sudan NGO Act of 2003.  Daniel Majok Gai, worked tirelessly to get a trusted South Sudan attorney and finally we received our certificate on Monday, July 1st.  Something to celebrate along with the 3rd Independence Day!   
Construction Progress at Pagook!



 

Construction at Tong Pagook Primary School is underway and walls are going up! Now we're waiting for roof, doors & windows. With your support we are on our way to helping students get in their new classrooms!

Thanks to all the Artists who participated in our 4th Art & Artifacts benefit, the funds raised at that event made this progress possible!

 

PESS Welcomes New Staff!
    

 

Meet Sarah Vandiver

 

 

Hello! My name is Sarah and I'm the new Communications Manager here at PESS. I'm thrilled to be working with such an amazing organization. It really is a dream to be part of a community that cares so deeply about girls' education.

 

Over the past several years I've worked with amazing organizations on behalf of girls and women in developing countries. I first connected with PESS while working with She's the First, one of PESS' partner organizations. My passion is helping girls and women and I strongly believe that educating girls is the single best investment we can make for the future.
 
In May 2013 I finished graduate school with an MPA from the University of Colorado, where I focused on nonprofit management. Joining PESS, an organization that works in one of the most difficult places in the world, is another chance to work on a cause so dear to my heart. I look forward to joining in this mission with all of you!

 

 

 

4th Art & Artifacts Benefit a Success!

 

 

by Claudia Mettelman 

 

 

After much planning and preparation headed up by Katherine Burley, Event Director and Korbel Intern and the amazing PESS team, the 4th Art & Artifacts event went off without a hitch.

 

On April 13th, ArtHaus Art Gallery located in the RiNo Art District of Denver opened its doors to Lost Boys and Girls, former Journey of Hope team members, artists and community members to enjoy traditional Sudanese singing and dancing, hand sculpted figures, African artifacts and artwork donated from local artists. Supporters in attendance enjoyed each other's company, took in the rich cultural atmosphere and opened their pockets to purchase the art on display that reflected this year's theme of "Sustaining Hope".

 

 

Over the years, PESS and it's long-time supporters have worked diligently to help the people of South Sudan by building schools, installing grinders and water wells and creating leadership programs within schools and communities. "Sustaining Hope," reflects what PESS has done in the past and what will be in store for the future. Read full article here>>

 

 

South Sudan Independence Day!

An Interview with Bol Abiar
 
"This day is about remembering something that has taken the lives of a lot of people. For those, it's very important because they now have a home, they have a country. And you can proudly say that I am from South Sudan." 
-Bol Abiar, PESS Board Member

 

Celebrate With Us! 

July 13, 2013

University of Denver

Student Center

3:00-Midnight

Join us for Food, Fun & Dancing!

 

On July 9, 2013 The Republic of South Sudan, the youngest nation in the world, will celebrate its second full year of independence from the north. The country has been hard at work over the past two years, yet many challenges remain. Insecurity, inter-tribal conflict,  and oil pipeline refinery issues continue to slow development towards a self-sufficient, prospering nation.

 

Despite the many obstacles ahead and the new austerity program, the South Sudanese people are resilient and determined to overcome their differences. In a country where only 0.8% of girls attend primary school, education is more important than ever as this young nation builds a foundation for the future. July 9th marks an occasion to celebrate South Sudan's accomplishments.

 

Continue to read full interview>>

 

 

  
    

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