A Message from Valentino (11/26/20)

Dear Friends,

As the holiday season draws near, I would like to take a moment to thank you and all of our generous supporters who make our work possible. While 2020 may not have been what we planned, we have been able to continue to provide educational support to our students and communities through this difficult time.

In March 2020, the Government of South Sudan made the decision to close schools throughout the country to mitigate the risk of COVID-19. With the school closures, we knew that our communities would still need support, particularly in helping to fight the virus. As a result, we became a leading institution in the fight against the coronavirus in the rural areas of our operation zones. I, along with a group of volunteers, spent many days and nights bringing awareness and materials to rural and remote communities, who otherwise would not be aware of the dangers of the virus and would not have the proper equipment to help slow or prevent it.

It has been a great community effort to fight the spread of the virus. Our tailors, staff, and teachers quickly took to making face masks and providing training on the importance of social distancing and hygienic care. We greatly appreciate their flexibility and willingness to help during these difficult times.

With the virus, came food insecurity throughout the country. In our areas of operation, we have been helping to cultivate and harvest crops to help meet food needs in many communities. On a positive note, as a result of increasing our crop cultivation and harvest, we were able to provide job opportunities to more than 120 youth groups.

The shutdown and the virus have taken a toll on the world’s youngest country. As South Sudan continues to face the repercussions of civil war, repression, displacement, economic recovery, and hunger, we also continue to fight against COVID-19. We now face a very difficult year ahead. Many of our students have missed the entire academic year, and we are doing our best to encourage re-enrollment once schools are open to all grades.

I have now spent over ten months in South Sudan this year, and I must admit that my time here has been a great learning opportunity, particularly in the way of handling dynamic socio-economic challenges. I have also acquainted myself with the local working environment, something that will serve as an added value to our mission for years to come.

It may seem like we have lost the entire year to COVID-19 and other challenges, but like many obstacles that life often throws at us, we will make the best of it and end the year on a high and positive note.

That said, though the holidays will look a bit different this year, it is important for all of us to remain positive and take a moment to count our blessings. I wish our friends and supporters a Happy Thanksgiving, and I hope you enjoy the time spent with those around you.

I wish you all the best and many blessings.

Sincerely yours,
Valentino A. Deng