Sudan, Africa

Sudan, officially the Republic of the Sudan is a country in Northeast Africa. Bordered by Egypt to the north, Libya to the northwest, Chad to the west, the Central African Republic to the southwest, South Sudan to the south, Ethiopia to the southeast, Eritrea to the east, and the Red Sea to the northeast. Sudan has a population of 43 million (2018 estimate) and is Africa's third-largest country in area and also the third-largest in the Arab world.   It was the largest country in Africa and the Arab world by area before the 2011 South Sudan's secession.

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Due to the danger caused by political and economic instability, VIM is not yet able to send mission teams to Sudan.  However, that does not prohibit providing support other ways.

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We have developed a relationship with Southern Sudan Hope, a local NH-based ministry, founded by Ageth Lucia Okeny.  Ms. Okeny is a Sudanese native, now US Citizen, who lives in New Hampshire.  Ms. Okeny introduced VIM to the challenges the people in South Sudan have in receiving education, living in the large refugee camps and obtaining the basic essentials of life, food, clean water, shelter and medical care.  Here is her story. 

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"As the founder of Southern Sudan Hope I want to share my story with you. 20 years ago, I myself was living in Sudan before South Sudan gained their independence in 2011.  I have seen the corruption in my country with my own eyes and even 20 years later South Sudan still faces these issues. I was fortunate enough to flee and come to the United States as a refugee. I originally started Southern Sudan Hope to stop the wrong being done in my country so that Sudan can one day experience peace and salvation.

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My mission is to serve the 2.1 million people living in refugee camps whose homes have been burned and pillaged and whose families have been kidnapped, beaten, raped, or killed.  Women and young girls are in most danger due to the many cases of rape. When I visited the camps, many women and girls told me their stories of rape by soldiers and the deaths of other women who have died from these sexual assaults.

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The refugee camps are also overcrowded resulting in severe food shortages. 20 million people living in South Sudan are at risk of famine. Thousands of infants and toddlers die from lack of food and medicine. Malnutrition and complications from malnutrition are the most common causes of death for these young children.

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Donations to my organization are given directly to sources actively supporting affected children and communities in Sudan. With your help you can provide food, clothing, school supplies, and peace of mind to the those who are in desperate need."

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Donations to benefit Ms. Okeny's work may be made through VIM.  Please place "Southern Sudan Hope" in the memo field of your check or in the note or memo field of the online donation.  VIM turns over 100% of your donation to all our partners on the ground.

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