A Living Laboratory
   Honestly, working in a post-conflict country is challenging. During our first two years of Sudan operations, NESEI has faced regional instability, rainy seasons that make travel nearly impossible, diseases like malaria, technology breakdowns, limited financial resources, and other daunting obstacles.
   However nothing, absolutely nothing, has deterred the spirit of our NESEI students in their pursuit of education and a better future. “Tenacious” best describes the efforts of our girls and NESEI staff. Regardless of the difficulties - our students and the team of adults encouraging them - put their problem-solving skills to work and find ways to succeed.
   It is this entrepreneurial spirit and set of skills that NESEI students will draw on as they build a more peaceful and prosperous South Sudan. It’s why we want every NESEI graduate to have the knowledge, experience and confidence to launch a business or a career.
   Sometimes we are asked – how is the Girls Rising scholarship program different from the big student sponsorship organizations seen in TV infomercials? The answer – aside from our laser-like focus on girls’ empowerment – is that NESEI has a more holistic and practical approach to education. It isn’t enough to just get children into school. To truly develop capable and empathetic young leaders, education must go beyond rote memorization and the very limited official curricula.
   Secondary education – high school – should be a living laboratory. NESEI transcends classroom walls and embeds education in real-world initiatives, where students learn and become social change agents at the same time. Each of our programs is designed to help students achieve success, both in school and as citizen leaders working to break the cycles of poverty and war in South Sudan.
   Our NESEI success is directly tied to your financial and moral support. Thank you for your help thus far. Each day our students continue to work toward their dreams because of continued contributions – because of the generosity of people who don’t wait to take action. Giving to NESEI goes beyond a feel good factor; it produces results. Keep reading to learn more about our accomplishments and goals—together we are helping Sudanese girls thrive—and strive for a better future.
Shukran, thank you,
Anita Henderlight
NESEI Executive Director

Attachments:

• Sept 2009 Newsletter (PDF)