Crisis Appeal Letter – Feb.
Hope With Sudan
Recession has huge impact on our students and families
February 2009
Dear Companions,
Hope With Sudan is in crisis because of the shortfall of donations. A marked decrease in donations this winter has caused us to take drastic measures. Instead of sending funds in late December to pay for the tuition of the Winter Term for our students, we had to tell them to wait in hopes that contributions would arrive in January. Funds did not arrive and now there is a dire need to feed our students.
“The children are really suffering.” These are the words that I dread to hear each time my phone starts ringing at 6:30 AM. When I open my email and see the name of any of our students I know that they have run out of food or the school has expelled the children for failure to pay tuition.
“I am walking the streets in Nairobi to take my mind off the ache in my stomach because I haven’t eaten in three days.” This is what Philip Deng told me in a phone conversation a week ago. Not only have we failed to pay most of the tuitions for our 80 students, but we have not succeeded in providing adequate coverage for food and rent. Most of the landlords are now threatening to lock our children and their care-givers out of their apartments.
As donations arrive I immediately transfer funds to households that our students are a part of, telling them that more will be coming soon. However, I really don’t know if that is the case.
The Board is wrestling with the deep issues that are related to the global recession and how we can continue to sustain some semblance of hope for the Sudanese in our program. Our new board is working on a new scholarship system where we will be able to more closely follow our students’ progress.
The recession in the U.S. economy is causing tsunami to roll across the world. The cost for maze has risen 300% since last spring in Kenya where most of our students seek refuge.
You have been so generous in the past in your support of Hope With Sudan. Our continuing mission is education providing tuition fees and living expenses. At this point we need money for food. I am asking you to continue your commitment to our common mission and if possible increase your giving by 20-25%. Being caught in the harsh reality of the present moment, the deep faith of our students and that of their caregivers gives them a tenuous trust that they can move forward. They consider us to be their American family who will stand with them to find a way through. Please continue to stand with them.
With sincere appreciation for all that you are giving.
Jerry Drino, Executive Director
Send checks made out to Hope With Sudan to: 5038 Hyland Ave, San José, CA 95127 www.hopewithsudan.org
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