As I mentioned in my last article on education in Sudan, we are currently involved in raising funds to build a school that will better girls education in Sudan. The school is to be built in Bor Town, South Sudan. The project was initiated by members of the Baai-Bor Women’s Group here in Melbourne, Australia. Construction of the school is going to start in September/October so fundraising over the next few months is a high priority.
Organisation and logistics of this massive project has been lead by George Hendry from Bryn’s School, a not for profit organisation whose goal is to build schools in under developed countries around the world.
Girls Education in Sudan
A lot of work needs to be done to improve girls education in Sudan. Here is a scary stat, a 15 year old girl in Sudan is more likely to die from childbirth than she is to receive a primary education. There is immense pressure on young girls to work on the land and help their families out. As such enrollment rates are low and subsequent drop out rates are high. As a result over 90% of women in Southern Sudan are illiterate.
Fundraising to build a school and improve girls education in Sudan
Last Saturday night (4th) the Baai-Bor Womens group held a Women’s Cultural Night to raise more funds. The evening was a huge success with almost $4,000 raised for the school project.
We were there on the night taking portraits of the guests and all the money we raised was given directly to the school. We had the opportunity to taste some amazing food and meet some great people! The Sudanese children were so beautiful and great subjects to photograph. I have included some images from the night here. I hope you enjoy them.
.jpg "Baai Bor Fundraising Event")
.jpg "Baai Bor Fundraising Event")
Thank you to everyone who has shown interest in this project. Once again if you would like to help out in any way, you can contact me for further information.
I will keep you updated as the construction progresses. It such a mammoth task and there are other great organisations around the world doing their bit to improve education in many under developed countries. Hopefully this project goes some way towards making a difference to improve girls education in Sudan.
Take care
Warren
