UMD News Releases

The University of Minnesota Duluth (UMD) will host a presentation by Joseph Makeer, one of the "Lost Boys of Sudan," April 13, at 7 p.m. in Montague Hall room 70. He will speak on the challenges that areas of Sudan are facing, and what his plans are to help those who are struggling.

Joseph Makeer left his village of Duk Payuel, Sudan when he was only ten years old. He began his treacherous journey toward neighboring countries to escape the genocide taking place in southern Sudan. Mr. Makeer now lives in Fargo, North Dakota and has begun his effort to help rebuild what has been destroyed in his home country.

Although his cause is not receiving any honorariums or guaranteed donations, he hopes to raise awareness for his cause through the telling of his story. In collaboration with a UMD student Service Learning Project in instructor Brenda Butterfield's Group Dynamics psychology class, Joseph Makeer will be collecting donations to send women's underwear and feminine products to the affected regions of Sudan. Young women in southern Sudan do not have access to these products. By providing these supplies, he aims to encourage the young women to stay in school and minimize the embarrassment that forces many of them to discontinue their education.

For additional Information, Contact:

Mohammed Omer
African Soul, American Heart
Phone: 763 670-2396
Fax: 763 592-8259
http://www.africansoulamericanheart.org/

About African Soul, American Heart: By Mohammed Omer

The African Soul, American Heart Foundation will help rebuild South Sudan by providing housing, food, clothing and access to education and health care for orphans in Duk Payuel. Duk Payuel is a village in Jonglei State, South Sudan. Building on the example of John Dau who established a clinic in the village, the foundation will expand operations through the county a we are able. Other groups are working in this area and across South Sudan to develop an infrastructure of roads, wells, schools, churches, etc. These efforts combined with the efforts of many others from across the world will transform the lives of people whose culture was nearly destroyed by genocide.