NASHVILLE OFFICE

Nashville is home to approximately 7,000 Sudanese - the third largest population of southern Sudanese in the United States. A little over a year old, the Aid Sudan office in Nashville is under the direction of Leigh Ann Cates.

AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAM STARTS CLASS IN NASHVILLE

In Nashville’s Sudanese community, there is a growing concern that many children are falling behind in their studies, largely due to the lack of education and English skills of their parents. Many are dropping out of school before completing high school and in the process, learning the very worst attributes of American culture, not the best.

Under the direction of Aid Sudan’s Director of Education Barbara Crossman, an After School Program was developed that is run jointly by the Southern Sudanese Youth Connection of Sumner County (SSYC) and the Sudanese Presbyterian Church of Gallatin (SPC). The goal of the After School Program is to provide students with homework support and academic reinforcement that will strengthen their academic foundation and position them for future success.

The After School Program officially opened its doors on August 15th and assists students in grades 1-12 on Monday and Tuesday afternoons from 4-6 p.m. Focus includes homework completion, reading comprehension, math support, critical thinking skills and character building through Biblical stories and principles using the Chronological Bible Storying method.

Thank you to Tut Rut for his vision in setting-up the program, Ali Tanner for organizing the collection of books, school supplies, materials and cash donations and the whole host of generous supporters and volunteers for helping make this possible! For more information on the program or to learn how to set-up a similar program in your area, contact Barbara Crossman at barbara@aidsudan.org.

ANNUAL FUNDRAISING DINNER TAKES A JOURNEY INTO SUDAN

As guests walked into Aid Sudan Nashville’s Annual Fundraising Dinner, they were greeted with the unique sights and sounds of southern Sudan. A traditional, thatched roof mud hut and water well adorned the stage, inviting the over 125 attendees to experience a taste of a southern Sudanese village and imagine the lifestyle that accompanies the conditions. Gai Luom further set the scene with a traditional blessing over the food in his native Dinka language.

During dinner, the crowd was entertained with narrative stories from southern Sudan as Aid Sudan staff members – including Executive Director Peter Swann and Moses Project missionary Maker Manyang – and volunteers gave first-hand accounts of their experiences in Sudan. From mission trips to education programs to the Moses Project, there was never a dull moment. Guests also learned of many ways to get involved in community building and sharing the gospel with the upcoming Radio Station Project and Village-to-Village Project.

It was a very special evening and we would like to thank all the friends of Aid Sudan that hosted a table and all the new friends that attended to learn about the service and giving opportunities. Sponsors for the event included Barger Tanner Construction, Scott Fowler Productions, Northwestern Mutual and The Law Office of Lannie J. Cates. Special thanks also to The Factory at Franklin for providing the venue, Stoveworks Tables for the catered dinner and all our dedicated volunteers who constructed the amazing Sudan set!

 SHOP FOR A CAUSE AT PHILANTHROPY IN FRANKLIN

Accessorizing stylish fashion with a compassionate purpose, Philanthropy Fashion in Franklin, TN adopted Aid Sudan as one of its two recipient organizations. To support Aid Sudan, they are raising $35,000 to dig two water wells to meet the needs of a village in southern Sudan.

Philanthropy Fashion is located in downtown Franklin, TN at 432 Main Street and specializes in apparel, accessories and gifts with a mission to give back to local and global causes.

For previous Nashville news and events, click here.