EMPOWERING SUDANESE REFUGEES AND THEIR FAMILIES IN THE US WHILE PRESERVING THE HISTORY AND CULTURE OF THE LOST BOYS OF SUDAN

To develop a global community of leaders who support democracy and opportunity in South Sudan that u

Goal One: After-School Programs - Implement a comprehensive after-school program to engage 2nd generation youth programs to support them and their families during the hours between 3 pm and 6 pm.

Goal Two: Completion of an educational and community center in Juba, South Sudan – This will be focused on the needs of the community with connections to the local government and humanitarian agencies.

Goal Three: The Archive Project – To digitize 17,000 records of interviews conducted in refugee camps in Kenya of the Lost Boys so they can have photographs of their childhood and learn about their loved ones.

The Lost Boys Center is building an education/community center in Juba, South Sudan. The building will have two floors with seven rooms upstairs and seven downstairs. The wall around the center is complete. The carpenters will finish construction of the center in one month. Classes will be held in the beginning to prepare selected adults to become qualified school teachers for the children. Besides having instruction for children to create future leaders, there will be classes for adults to teach them health care for the family and learn a trade so they can become independent. A few weeks ago, the Executive Director and Program Director went to Juba with computers and printers for the new center. Next on the agenda is to buy furniture and supplies. We are planning on having an Open House in November or December.

The Lost Boys Center has rented an office in the building of the YMCA in Phoenix, AZ. We are working with the YMCA to hold swimming classes for the children. Also, plans are for the creation of a basketball team where eventually, players will be able to compete against other teams in the Valley. Students across the Valley are reading the book "A Long Walk to Water," a story of the life of a Lost Boy. The Center receives calls from schools and businesses inviting a former Lost Boy to give a presentation on the life of the Lost Boys. Before with the Covid, we gave presentations via Zoom. Now, with the masks and social distancing canceled, presentations are given in person. The teachers tell us how excited the students are that a former Lost Boy is coming to their school. They listen attentively, and their hands go up for the Q & A session. The class and individual students have their photos taken with the former Lost Boy at the very end. Again, with the restrictions of the Covid canceled, a few times a former Lost Boy had flown back East to give presentations at businesses and private schools in New York and New England. William Simmons, the Lost Boys Center President of the Board, is Director of the Human Rights Practice Program and Professor of Gender and Women's Studies at the U of A. The Lost Boys Center was involved with activities involving the students at the U of A. A few weeks ago, a former Lost Boy gave a presentation on his life to three classes at the U of A. The Center can plan outdoor activities for the children. This year, we worked with a local Skateboarding company to set up skateboarding lessons at a park. Many children signed up and had a memorable day, spending time with each other and learning a new skill.