Sudan Primary School
When did the ELI Academy open?
In 2006, ELI Sudan was started after Stephen Reech, a Sudanese man, returned to Sudan after the 20 plus years of war. For over two decades the war torn area of Bor has forced families to run for their lives. Devastation rolled through Southern Sudan as militant raiders from the North plundered and burned villages, killing parents and children alike. In many cases, families were split apart during flight and, in some cases, were blessed to find one another again years later in Kenyan or Ugandan refugee camps. Thousands of children have either not yet found their families or have received the unfortunate news that their families were killed during the war or died while fleeing across the country. ELI Sudan was started to help rebuild the villages that were demolished during the war and bring hope back to people.
How many children are in the school?
250
Where is the school located?
The village of Kolmarek is located near Bor (a larger village center) on the White Nile River. The school is on the same property as ELI’s training center and demonstration garden.
How is it structured?
We have grades 1-7. All the children, no matter what age, started in the first grade since there was no education in place before.
When are the children in school?
The school is year round with holidays during the months of May, September and January. Grades 1-4 attend school from 8:00 am to 12:30 pm. Grades 5 and up start school at 8:00 am and end at 2:00 pm.
What do the students study?
- Math
- English
- Science
- Agriculture
- Christian Religion
Who leads the ministry of ELI in Sudan?
Stephen Reech and his family were one of the many families that walked for six weeks to get to Kenya for safety during the war. He dreamt of returning one day to rebuild his home village and, with God’s help, provide a new future for its many suffering children and families. In January of 2006, twelve years after leaving Sudan, his dream became a reality. Stephen, now on staff with ELI, returned home to Kolmarek, Sudan to build a Christian ministry reaching the many struggling daily for the basic necessities of life.