Wells for Hope for South Sudan

Wells for Hope for South Sudan is a U.S.-based nonprofit organization founded in 2014 by Majok Marier, a Sudanese refugee known as one of the Lost Boys of Sudan. The organization is dedicated to providing clean water to rural communities in South Sudan by drilling wells, thereby improving health, education, and economic opportunities for these communities.

History

The motivation behind the establishment of Wells for Hope for South Sudan stems from Majok Marier's personal experiences. Born in South Sudan, Marier fled his home as a child due to the Second Sudanese Civil War, which left thousands of children, known as the Lost Boys and Girls of Sudan, to fend for themselves. Decades later, after resettling in the United States, Marier returned to his home country to reunite with his family. Witnessing firsthand the lack of access to clean water and the hardships it imposed on his community, he decided to act.

Marier wrote a memoir, "Seed of South Sudan: Memoir of a 'Lost Boy' Refugee," which he used to raise funds and awareness for the need for clean water in South Sudan. Collaborating with a dedicated team of volunteers, including co-author Estelle Ford-Williamson, he established Wells for Hope for South Sudan.

Mission

The mission of Wells for Hope for South Sudan is to provide clean and sustainable water sources to rural communities in South Sudan. By drilling wells, the organization aims to alleviate the burden of water collection, which often falls on women and children, allowing them to focus on education and other activities. Access to clean water significantly reduces the risk of waterborne diseases, improves hygiene, and supports community development by enabling better agricultural practices and enhancing overall health and quality of life.

Activities

Since its inception, Wells for Hope for South Sudan has successfully drilled eight wells in various villages across South Sudan, including Billing Daldiar, Mabor Koch, Mading Thon, Majak, Luak Mayual, and Atiaba. These wells have brought clean water to hundreds, allowing communities to engage in small-scale agriculture and improve their economic stability.

Funding and Operations

The organization is 100% volunteer-run, ensuring that donations are utilized effectively with minimal overhead costs. The average cost to build a well is approximately $10,000, not including travel and planning expenses. Wells for Hope relies on donations from supporters to continue its projects. Notable donors who contribute significantly to the construction of a well are acknowledged with honorary tiles embedded in the wells they help fund.

Future Plans

As of the latest updates, Wells for Hope for South Sudan plans to continue expanding its efforts by drilling additional wells. The organization is committed to building a ninth well in the village of Wun-Yar, demonstrating its ongoing dedication to addressing the water crisis in South Sudan.

Wells for Hope for South Sudan embodies the transformative impact that access to clean water can have on communities, serving not only as a vital resource but also as a catalyst for social progress and economic empowerment.