In November 2010, James Lubo Mijak announced that, through a collaboration with Sudan Sunrise, a school to be built in James' home village of Nyarweng in Ruweng County, Unity State, southern Sudan, will be designated as one helping fulfill Manute’s dream. As a Lost Boy of Sudan, James experienced the impact of Manute’s humanitarian work. On one particular day, Manute visited the displacement camp where James was living and promised to help. Two days later, the UN dropped food and supplies.
Called “Raising Sudan,” James’ school-building effort calls for a primary school to serve 300 children with classrooms, teacher accommodations, waterhole, latrines and kitchen/storage at a cost of $150,000. Believing that collaboration is essential to increase education opportunities in southern Sudan, James is also working with Lost Boy Ngor Kur Mayol to build a similar school ($150,000) in Ngor’s home village of Aliap which is also in Ruweng County. Neither village has a permanent primary school.
With a message of “From Education Comes…Peace,” James speaks to churches, associations and schools about the dream of schools across southern Sudan. This idea first took shape for James when he served as a volunteer teacher and mentor living in the camps.
The Raising Sudan goal is to break ground on the first school in 2011. As of December 2010, more than $120,000 had been raised toward the total $300,000 goal. $50,000 is needed to begin construction on the first school. Teachers in Nyarweng and Aliap are receiving training with support from 501c3 non-profit World Relief and Mothering Across Continents.