Written by Martha Riley on January 11, 2007

As I sit under this tree in the village of Maar on my last day in Southern Sudan, I am struck by how lucky we are in America and how much we have to offer others - our good will, our expertise, our generosity - and mostly ... hope.

The Sudanese children are precious and the people are gracious, proud, and hardworking. Southern Sudan is ripe with hope now that the 20-year civil war has ended. It is time to nourish that hope.

Project Education Sudan, a local non-profit organization co-founded by Carol Rinehart and Sudanese 'Lost Boy' Isaac Khor Bher, is doing just that. Iam fortunate to be part of their efforts here.

In a two week period, we have drilled two wells, installed a solar energy system, taught an accounting system, constructed a termite-proof roof as a model, delivered two grain grinders, watched the building of our first school structure, finalized plans for our second school structure, assessed existing educational programs, and delivered clothes, toothbrushes, and school supplies. That's not only hope, it's real progress!

I fully recognize that the key to our success is the commitment, knowledge, and energy of Denver's Lost Boys of Sudan. It has been wonderful to witness their reunification with family members after 20 years of separation (screams, tears, breathlessness, singing as four were welcomed back into Sudan on this trip). They have become heroes to their people as they work endlessly and tirelessly on projects that will help their people.

While here, I have experienced life in a remote village in a country devastated by war. I have seen endless savanna, countless cows and goats, sick children, scurrying scorpions, and elderly blind people. I have heard giggling children, requests for help, blessings from the people and a cacophony of bird song. I played Duck Duck Goose, London Bridge is Falling Down, and Sharks and Minnows with the children. Their energy is endless and their laughter is contagious. The Dinka are wealthy - wealthy in community, love, and cultural traditions. They are also destitute - living in mud huts that must be rebuilt once a year, surviving on minimal food, little clean water, and too often dying for lack of medicine.

This trip fully validates Project Education Sudan's commitment to education, especially for girls. Girls are often given in marriage at a very young age in exchange what means wealth in rural Sudan - cows. So, they spend their lives having babies and doing chores. A boarding school means a whole new future for them personally and for the country as a whole. Every leader we have heard from has expressed the belief that cultural change, such as education for girls, is necessary for Sudan to develop.

There is no limit to what we can do and how many we can help. All it takes is money - money that comes from people whose hearts are touched by the story of the Lost Boys of Sudan and the country they are trying to rebuild.

The people of Southern Sudan have won my heart. I hope to sit here again next year, under this very same tree, at the end of a day of training teachers and playing with kids. I think I will see hope turning into reality.

For more information, visit www.projecteducationsudan.org.

Martha Riley is a teacher at Eaglecrest High School in the Cherry Creek School District.