At SSFI we believe much of our impact is unquantifiable. Although some aspects of our projects involve tangible and countable factors, we believe our biggest impacts are the effects of individual empowerment and communal reconciliation. We can’t measure the ways in which our supplies and programs have changed people’s lives. We can’t even measure the amount of people who have received our supplies or been involved with our projects. Here are some of the numbers we can count:
At a time when education for women was not encouraged, the late Dr. Wal Duany stood out as a visionary leader and advocate for women. He devoted his life to the pursuit of peace and the hope of better life for the people of South Sudan.
Today, Wal's wife Julia and their children hold advanced academic degrees. The Duany's know first hand what opportunities, encouragement, and financial support can mean to a child that hungers for learning. Their commitment to Wal's vision led them to found a school in Juba that could serve as a door of opportunity to low income families.
"We are providing a classroom," says Julia Duany, "where the kids are allowed to bring out their thinking and creativity. We are developing the whole child. These children are the foundation of South Sudan."
In special honor of Wal and his dreams, The American School of South Sudan created the Dr. Wal Duany Scholarship Fund. The Fund is intended to offer scholarships to five deserving students each school year.