We recently visited Mading and Nyieth Schools to continue our relationship with these two local primary schools. Thanks to your ongoing support, we were able to distribute student exercise books, pens, and sports equipment to each school. These materials help reduce the cost of getting an education, making it more accessible to all.

In June, we received guests from DeWitt Community Church (DCC) in Syracuse who visited Ariang as our first “Ambassador Team”. The team of four came as learners – making careful observations, asking good questions, taking time to learn more about the community, and participating in our programs. You can read more about their trip here.

Our SEP scholars continue to shine and thrive in their education, with many showing huge potential to succeed through high school. The nine scholars’ report cards show their determination to grow and develop. We launched our Bany Akolda Seminar Workshops earlier this year as well. Bany Akolda means “leaders for tomorrow” in Dinka. The program’s aim is to develop the scholar’s leadership capacity by nurturing important 21st-century skills.

In June, the first seminar focused on identifying personal strengths & weaknesses, developing growth and fixed mindsets, and writing SMART goals. We also started reading and discussing the book “A Long Walk To Water” by Linda Sue Parks. We were surprised by how fast our students developed their confidence in public speaking and storytelling during the three-day workshop.

In September, we conducted our second seminar. We focused on three major skill areas that include communication, teamwork & collaboration and storytelling. The training was very hands-on and every student got a chance to take the stage and practice these target skills. We emphasized confidence and growth mindset at all times during the training. For one activity, students used building blocks with the goal of building the tallest building using a limited number of blocks. This game helped our students to think critically while analyzing possible solutions to certain problems. With collaboration and clarity on asking questions, many groups were able to build strong structures that were able to withstand the wind – which was identified as the biggest challenge to meeting the goal at hand. We also noticed tremendous growth in confidence in many of our young and timid girls. Many were able to write personal narratives and share them with fellow students while observing good communication techniques.

In July, we kicked off our Women’s Empowerment Program which aims to provide economic stimulating activities for women in the community. We started with two small pilot projects: tailoring and beadwork. One woman is going through an intensive six-month tailoring training program; learning how to make women, men, and children’s clothes. She told us, “I can’t wait to start my own business at the completion of the program!” She will be the first female tailor the area. Female students are also making beaded bracelets that we hope to sell to our supporters in the United States. This extra income will help them to buy personal and education items to stay in school.