Atem Deng speaks and inspires...

NESEI

This past Sunday, Atem Deng came to speak to the Sudan Communion Group about the work and vision of NESEI (New Sudan Education Initiative). Atem is the founder of NESEI and a former Sudanese refugee. He spoke eloquently about how important it was to him to know that so many people cared about the situation in the Sudan and that they were "not alone". These were words that nurtured the souls of those present, as the Sudan Communion group has been praying for over two years for our Sudanese brothers and sisters - "in the land of their birth and spread among the nations" (from our Collect).


The current NESEI school serves over 300 girls from a variety of regions and tribal affiliations, teaching them about basic academic skills, vocational training, family planning and hygiene. Atem explained that the fact that the girls come from a wide variety of backgrounds is a key aspect to "promoting peace through education", which is the mission of the group. It is hoped that if students of various tribes develop bonds of affection and respect during their younger years, they will take those experiences forward to build a peaceful and prosperous Sudan in the future. Also, they will be able to take this knowledge, as well as what they have learned about family planning and hygiene, back to their own families and communities, thereby affecting many lives in a positive way.

Thank you, Atem for visiting and sharing and Martha, for organizing.

For more information, check out the NESEI website at: http://www.nesei.org/

Mark your calendars! In two weeks, we will have another guest speaker. On July 19th, after the 10 am service, James Mobier will give a talk about WYDA (Werkok Youth Development Association) which focuses on sanitation efforts in the Sudan - particularly water sanitation as well as personal hygiene. Please join us at 11am - all are welcome!