Executive Director's Note

Last year will forever be regarded as one of the most significant and historic years for South Sudan. For over two decades, the bloodiest conflict in all of Africa finally came to an end with the signing of the 2005 Comprehensive Peace Agreement. This agreement paved the way for the South to vote on a referendum to unify with the North or move forward with self-determination. On July 9, 2011, a day that will forever be remembered in history, citizens of the South voted to become the newest nation in the world. Omunu and I were fortunate enough to witness the "birth" of the Republic of South Sudan. Amidst large and joyous independence celebrations, I felt great emotion at finally having a country I can proudly call my own and my home.

I am pleased to state that 2011 was also a year full of successes for the CSSAW community. Stella L. and Elizabeth A. transferred from community college to the University of Colorado at Boulder. Concenta L. graduated from St. Vrain High School and Pauline S. graduated from Boulder High School. Both Pauline and Concenta completed training and passed the state boards to become Certified Nursing Aids (CNA). Stella L. and Susan M. became American citizens and others are in the process of joining them.

As we begin 2012, the CSSAW community is delighted to inform our sponsors that our first three girls - Rose L., Mary A., and Christine N. - will be graduating May 11 from the University of Colorado at Boulder with Bachelor's of Arts degrees. The girls' momentous achievements are due to their hard work, intelligence and desire to become empowered through education. Their success was also made possible through generous community support, monetary gifts and in-kind donations from individuals and businesses, mentorship programs and amazing volunteers.

CSSAW has also witnessed its unique educational support program emerge as one of the nation's educational success stories. I am thrilled with the passionate, thoughtful, and relentless hard work of the CSSAW Board of Directors and our dedicated volunteers who are seeing our dreams become a reality. This shared vision and collaborative effort has created an extraordinary and unparalleled opportunity for the survivors of war-torn South Sudan - the South Sudanese refugee girls in Boulder, Colo.

Sincerely,

Micklina Kenyi
Executive Director