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Dear
Joe,
Whether
it's sharing your story, using your knowledge to educate others,
donating blankets or writing cards, Bridges to Sudan volunteers have
donated their time and used their gifts to help those in need.
In
this newsletter, we wanted to recognize volunteer efforts that
are making a difference at home in Jacksonville and abroad in
southern Sudan. Using your gifts for others makes a huge
impact in the lives of those around you.
Thank
you to all who have given of their time so selflessly!
Executive
Director, Bridges to Sudan
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Bridges to Sudan Partners with
Team-Up After School Program
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Students
at Arlington Middle School in Jacksonville got a glimpse of what it
is like to be a Sudanese refugee. In an effort to have the students
gain a new perspective, two Sudanese refugees - Falma Moses and
Joseph Deng Madut - told their story to a group of students enrolled
in the Team-Up After School Program.
Born
in Sudan, Falma came to the United States as a young girl in a
single-parent family. As her family only spoke their native tribal
language in her home, Falma had an extremely difficult time
adjusting. She was expected to be Sudanese at home and then be
an American when she walked out the door and entered American
school environment. She shared with the group how her hardships and
environment led her down a wrong path, but with determination, she
was able to become a better person and get back on the right track in
school and at home.
Joseph's story as a Lost Boy is different, but not any less
difficult. When he lived in Sudan, he was required to work in the
cattle camps, rather than receive an education. As a 15-year-old
Sudanese boy in the refugee camp, Joseph had to sit in a first grade
classroom because he wasn't given an opportunity for education in
Sudan. He was candid with the group about his embarrassment in this
situation. With the help of Bridges, he connected with the
International Learning Center and is receiving an education full
of dignity and with pride.
By having these Sudanese refugees share their stories, it is the hope
of Bridges and Team-Up that students involved in the After School
Program learn about strength, determination and triumph in
adversity.
The Team-Up After School Program is designed to enhance students'
academic performance in language arts, science and math, while also
providing cultural enrichment and social activities. Team- Up is part
of the 'Community in Schools Jacksonville' project - Helping Kids
Stay in School. Team-Up serves in 5 elementary schools and 7 middle
schools and this is just one of the schools visited throughout the
2009 school year.
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Supporters Get Hands-On!
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Over
the last couple months, Bridges of Sudan enlisted the help of our
supporters in donating blankets to those in need in Sudan. Thank you
to all who gave from their hearts - we are sending approximately 450
blankets to Sudan in June! The blankets will be sent to Sudan,
along with other humanitarian supplies & Bibles, through Voice of
the Martyrs.
Additionally,Hands On Jacksonville and Arlington Middle School
Team-Up volunteers gave their time and creativity to make cards for
many of the Sudanese during the months of February and March. Bridges
was able to send out Valentines, Birthday cards and Easter cards - a
simple gesture to let them know they are cared for. It made a big
difference to those who received them!
To get involved and volunteer, please go to Hands-On Jacksonville for
volunteer opportunities. Inquiries will be forwarded to the Bridges
contact as appropriate.
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©
2008 BRIDGES TO SUDAN: is a 501(c)(3) tax exempt
organization. Donations and contributions are tax-deductible as
allowed by law.
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Dr. Tina Jaeckle
A Passion for
Genocide Education
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Using
her background in sociology and criminology, Dr. Tina Jaeckle
educates people on the atrocities of genocide. She speaks to local
schools, genocide symposiums and national conferences on a regular
basis, while also teaching courses at Flagler College specific to the
topic of genocide. Through her work at Bridges to Sudan, she can
pursue this passion of education and then in turn, invite individuals
to become active in stopping these vicious acts.
"Raising awareness has always been important in my life, but my
desire to educate others became critical through the completion of my
doctoral research with Sudanese refugees," explained Dr. Tina
Jaeckle. "As I documented numerous stories of genocide
survivors, I was deeply impacted by their strength and power."
Through her research, Dr. Jaeckle discovered that younger generations
were not aware of the consequences and effects of genocide, but when
they were educated, there was a desire to work toward positive
change. An advocate for refugees and victims of genocide, she speaks
to groups giving a brief history of the Holocaust, communicating the
behavior that led to these mass killings and then incorporates the
present-day genocide in Sudan. She challenges teachers and students
not to be apathetic but to make a difference by getting involved.
Want to learn more about making a difference? Email Sharon Svihel at ssvihel@bridgestosudan.org
for more information or to schedule Dr. Tina Jaeckle to speak to your
group.
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International
For financial
resources to help with the water
and school building projects in southern Sudan
Local
For a successful celebration
this Saturday, May 16, in observance of the
anniversary date of southern Sudan's independence
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