Twenty-one years ago, the first group of “Lost Boys and Girls”  from South Sudan arrived in the Boston area, orphaned and displaced by two decades of civil war in Sudan. Without family, formal education, cultural connections, English language skills, or money, these young South Sudanese faced more formidable barriers than almost any other refugee group in U.S. history.

Joined after a few years by others escaping war and famine, the South Sudanese began the generational journey of acclimation and acculturation to life in America. Twenty-one years later, with the help and support of the South Sudanese Enrichment for Families (SSEF), members of the South Sudanese community have graduated from schools and colleges, secured jobs, and begun creating a better life for their children.

Sadly, because of the pandemic we had to cancel our in-person “20th Anniversary Gala” celebrating the arrival of the Lost Boys and Girls to Boston and the founding of the South Sudanese Enrichment for Families.  While the pandemic continues to prevent us from physically gathering for the 21st Anniversary, we will come together virtually to celebrate the extraordinary Resilience of the South Sudanese Community.

Over the past year members of the community have been hard hit by the coronavirus pandemic. Many were laid off from their jobs in the hospitality, ride sharing, and other service industries leaving many families with one working parent instead of two and some families with no income at all.  SSEF created an emergency fund to provide basic necessities for community members in need.

Despite the overlay of this horrible COVID affliction the “first generation” continues to preserve and strive for a better life for the next generation

Click here to learn more about this free virtual celebration

The African proverb “It takes a village to raise a child” is a universal truth.

Preschool attendance is critically important to the health development of children. It lays the groundwork for academic learning, teaches critical socialization skills and how to work and play in a structured environment. 

SSEF has provided scholarships to over 50 children for preschool education.

For the past 15 years, SSEF has provided resources and scholarships for summer programs for South Sudanese youth. Some children go to traditional day camp, some overnight camp and some enroll in educational programs, both day and residential. Summer Programs provides children the opportunity to keep learning during the summer, mitigating  “summer slide”, and mostly to have FUN.

SSEF will service over 50 children with scholarships this summer for summer programs.

We have partnered with Budget Buddies for a Financial Literacy for Women program. Through Budget Buddies each woman is given a coach and together they attend a 3-month educational program.  Women learn about budgeting, interest rates and financial traps to avoid. Women are given the tools to be financially knowledgeable. The coach is available to help them break down barriers to financial health.

This year 28 women are participating in the class by Zoom. Resources permitting, we will offer the South Sudanese men a similar program.