Seeds Students Speak
College student Mamer Atem Mamer shares his life story below as he prepares to graduate from a university in Nairobi.
Seeds has also asked students to reflect on what they remembered about their mother or father. All students in Seeds of South Sudan are orphans. Some remember their mother; other students spoke of people who were good role models for mothers and fathers.
Following Mamer Atem’s life story are short statements written by the students about their mother or father.
Mamer Atem Mamer
An Act of Kindness Turned My Pain Into Purpose
“Every child deserves a chance to dream. I almost lost mine before I was old enough to understand what a dream was. Today, as I prepare to graduate from university, I look back and realize that my life changed because someone I had never met chose to believe in me, and that simple act of kindness gave me a future.”
I was born in South Sudan, but my upbringing was marred by conflict. When I was 8 years old, both of my parents were slain in the fighting. In one moment, I lost my family, my home, and the safety that every child deserves. I was rescued and sent to the Kakuma Refugee Camp in Kenya, where I began my new life as an orphan. Life at the camp was extremely harsh. Most days, we survived on only one meal, and there were instances when we went to bed hungry because there was no food. There were countless times when I questioned whether life would ever get better.
Despite the anguish and uncertainty, I refused to give up hope, believing that education might be the gateway to a better future. When I was 13, my hope became a reality. With the love and assistance of Seeds of South Sudan and generous sponsors, I was able to leave the refugee camp and continue my education at Roots Academy in Nakuru, where I resumed fourth grade. That opportunity was more than just a scholarship; it represented the start of a new life. For the first time in years, I felt recognized, acknowledged, and loved. Someone thought a young refugee youngster still had a future worth fighting for. Their kindness inspired me to dream again, and I vowed to myself that I would work hard and never take this opportunity for granted.
With determination and the ongoing support of Seeds, I completed grade 8 and eventually enrolled at top-rated Koelel High School. From a young age, I aspired to be an accountant because I believe good financial management helps organizations use resources wisely, serve more people, and create lasting change in the community. My aim has always been to give back to society, just as I have been helped by Seeds.
Last but not least, my heartfelt appreciation goes to Seeds for believing in me. Their kindness turned my pain into purpose and my dreams into reality. To the Seeds of South Sudan sponsors and those who wish to change the lives of orphans, I hope you will continue to support Seeds of South Sudan, because there are many more children waiting for the same opportunity that changed my life. Thank you!
Aleer Jok Atem
Mother, I appreciated your love and care before you passed away. I won’t forget what an amazing mother you were to me and my siblings. You always taught me to be respectful to others, generous to those in need, and hardworking. Your memory gives me hope, which lets me go on despite all challenges.
I hope God will help me through my academic journey so that I will be somebody in this life. I will look after my siblings when I am done with my education.
Adhieu Jok Atem
Mothers’ Day is a wonderful opportunity for us to express our love for our moms. They taught us how to walk, how to speak, and how to eat. They love us their entire lives. They work from early in the morning to care for their children. We need to celebrate this day and spread love everywhere.
Ajang Mayen
My father was a humble, righteous man who was concerned with the welfare of others. His encouragement and advice still guide me.
A father is someone who keeps you from making mistakes. He is someone who holds you, scolds you when you break the rules even though his heart silently breaks when you get hurt. A father provides for you. He shines with pride when you succeed and has faith in you when you fail.
A dad is not necessarily the man who makes the child, but the man who extends his hands and time to help raise the child and extends his heart to love the child through everything. Being a dad comes from the heart.
Read Ajang’s reflections, in his own handwriting here.
Mading Deng
A good father loves his children and makes them happy. He is helpful, and respects everyone in society. My role model is Chief Justice of Kenya, David Maranga. He has those characteristics. He does not tolerate corruption. He made everyone, including refugees, equal before the law.
Read Mading’s reflections, in his own handwriting here.
Magai Thiong
My father was a very tall valiant man. He was an uneducated herdsman who believed in hard work and prayer. He was caring and loving and provided for us. I vividly recall the day he gave me a cow. Later, our cattle was raided and we were covered by poverty.
Senegalese soccer player Sadio Mane is a role model to me. He came from a humble background and is humble, caring, and hard working. He works more and more to mature his talent. His life gives me hope I have a chance in life. I am also working to be my best.
Read Magai’s reflections, in his own handwriting here.
Anyar Makual Dau
I vividly recall my father as a good man who always supported our family even when he had no money. He always encouraged us by saying “obstacles are the cost of greatness.” My father saw and set goals, dreams, and aspirations for himself as well as for his family.
My role model now is Raila Amolo Odinga. He is a Kenyan politician who always fights injustice and tribal rivalries.
Read Anyar Makual Dau’s reflections, in his own handwriting here.
Alek Garang
My role model is John Garang the one who died in a plane crash in 2005 due to his great patriotism and love of his people. He searched for peace and justice where there was none in existence. He fought for people’s rights and tried to instill good morals into people’s minds. He really cared and loved the well being of his people. Father’s day is an important reminder that we need to tell our dads just how much we appreciate and love them.
Read Alek’s reflections, in her own handwriting here.
Ajak Atem
I vividly remember my father in those days back…He was one of the greatest people I had. He was always inspirational and supportive in every situation I was in…He used to tell us that education is the best weapon to improve the world…Even though my father is gone, I am lucky to have Arok Garang (Seeds founder) and Deng Kuany (director) to act as my father … Deng Kuany once said that for a person to be successful you need to focus all your energy in the future but not the past. I thank God for having all these people in my life …
Read Ajak’s reflections, in his own handwriting here.
Why Give?
Seeds of South Sudan gives refugee children hope through a quality education and safe living conditions, encouraging them to develop socially, emotionally, and intellectually.
Arok Garang, founder of Seeds of South Sudan, knows personally the importance of an education. As one of the few “Lost Boys of Sudan” who was able to come to America, he is truly dedicated to giving back to his country in hopes of helping South Sudan develop a sustainable and successful future.
Almost 100% of donations go directly to the benefit of the children, as all staff functions are performed by a group of dedicated volunteers and administrative costs are kept to an absolute minimum.
The children are educated in the best schools in Kenya. Upon their graduation our hope is that the children will return to South Sudan to teach new generations of children, therefore becoming the foundation of the country’s future.
Whether you donate a little now, or fully sponsor a child, you will forever give hope to a nation and its children in need.
HELP US BUILD A GENERATION OF EDUCATED LEADERS
Join us in transforming the lives of South Sudanese refugee orphans who are eager to attend school!
