Updates

Check this page for updates on the Hands of Hope Community School, South Sudan or the region as a whole. 

                                           End of Year Messages From Tito, Our Founder and Executive Director, and Philip, Our Head Teacher 

“I trust, that we collectively can turn a child of nobody to a child of somebody without knowing anybody. Together we can replace the hopeless with a hopeful future.”
“Your prayers, physical actions, financial and moral contributions to UOCO have garnered significant hope for the children.” 
“In Jesus name, I again, wish each one of you; the boards, the donors, the children, and the volunteers, a safe upcoming new year 2025. May the Lord abundantly bless you all.”   Tito Gatkoi Kach, Executive Director of UOCO
 

“My family and I wish all of you a Happy New Year in advance and may the year 2025 be a year of peace, blessings, love, justice, hope, accountability and prosperity to all South Sudanese and the globe.”    Philip Bieh Tap, Hand of Hope Head Teacher

*UPDATES ON SECURITY SITUATION IN SOUTH SUDAN, 19TH JANUARY 2025*

In light of the tragic events at Medina in Jezira State, Sudan, where South Sudanese individuals were massacred by RSF rebels just four days ago, the atmosphere in South Sudan remains tense. While reports of violence and unrest continue to emerge from various areas, Lakes State stands out as a haven of relative peace. All counties within Lakes State are currently calm and have not experienced looting or threats against the Sudanese population.

The government and local authorities are monitoring the situation closely, and efforts are underway to ensure the safety of citizens, especially those affected by the cross-border violence. Humanitarian organizations are also assessing the needs of those impacted by the recent violence in Sudan.

As the region navigates these challenges, the solidarity among communities in Lakes State serves as a crucial reminder of the importance of peace and security in the face of adversity. Continued vigilance and support for affected populations will be essential in the days ahead.

Stay safe and take care!
Regarding the horrors happening in Sudan, Darfur: Our school is thankfully rather isolated in a village called Leer, just across the border with Sudan, in South Sudan. Although we have been targeted in the past, our students seem safe for now. When Mary Grace (UOCO (USA) president and liaison) was there for the first time in 2013, the new country of South Sudan was still setting up their political structure. During her stay, the Vice President of the new South Sudan was fired by President Salva Kiir. Because the Vice President was a Nuerman from Leer Village, there were intense upheavals and attacks during the Civil War that followed  independence from Sudan. That conflict has mostly settled down. However, the civil war in Sudan (immediately across the border to the north) and increasing instability in Darfur (far to the west) is creating a crushing migrant flow. This displacement is the greatest on the planet according to Amnesty International. The pressure of increased people fleeing destabilizes food sources and access for our kids and community. But the staff is dedicated. Even when the school had to be quickly evacuated in April of 2021, children were hidden and protected in the bush, and thankfully, no children or staff have been killed or hurt since we started the school.
Thank you for your love, prayer, support and concern for this good effort, half a world away.

We are profoundly grateful for any support you can offer. There are storms flooding that region now, tragically compounding the massive human flood, fleeing from war across the close-by border of Sudan, where the UN says that ten million people have been displaced. According to Search for Common Ground, “The numbers are staggering: 8 million people will require food aid this year in South Sudan, with 41 counties across the country experiencing emergency levels of food insecurity, and some communities already experiencing famine. But these are not just numbers; they represent real people – parents struggling to feed their children and desperate to provide for their families, while their children face a future stolen by hunger and war.”

 
                                                                                            Mary Grace, President and Liaison, UOCO (USA)

Timeline of Our Work

December, 2024: Fencing construction completed, and Tito, plans spring 2025 visit to the school.

October, 2024: New fencing materials begin their long trip up the Nile River, and then overland to the school compound.

February, 2024: The new land 25/80 meters ( 80×260 feet) was acquired.

October, 2023: Received “Gloria’s Grant” to build a durable school compound (these are building funds only).

September, 2022: Increase to 27 student residents safely living in huts at Hand of Hope Community School.

August, 2022: The new Hand of Hope Community School compound with a fence was constructed.

June, 2022: After the April 2022 attack and flight, the organization moved all the children and the school to Leer.

April, 2022: The Village of Leer was attacked; children and staff all fled into hiding. No lives lost. Brave staff re-gathered all of the children.

October, 2021: UOCO Hand of Hope Community School was officially opened with eight children in Tuochriak highland.

January, 2021: UOCO acquired un-surveyed land in Bow Payam, and in Kulier near the UNMISS base in Leer.

October, 2020: UOCO in the USA opens as an official 501(c)(3) non-profit educational charity to fund the Hand of Hope school.

August, 2020: UOCO was officially registered as a nonprofit by RRC in South Sudan’s capital, Juba.

August, 2020:  The UOCO board requested registration with RRC (Relief and Rehabilitation Commission) of South Sudan.