The inspiration and story behind the cause:

Gabriel Bol Deng, the founder of HOPE for Ariang, was forced to flee his village of Ariang in South Sudan during an attack by Northern Sudanese militia in 1987 at the age of ten. He lost his family and his way of life, and journeyed through brushes with death and refugee camps before finding his place in a new world.

After settling in Syracuse in 2001, Gabriel earned an Associate’s of Arts degree in Mathematics and Science at Onondaga Community College in 2004. He then continued with his education at Le Moyne College where he graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics Education and Philosophy in 2007, and was named “Student Teacher of the Year” by the Education Department.

Currently, Deng is pursuing graduate studies, leading to a Master’s degree in Education from Le Moyne College. He works as a substitute teacher in the Syracuse School District. Gabriel became a United States citizen in 2006.

Since 2002, Gabriel has shared personal stories and significant learnings from his journey and dream with responsive audiences at over 300 venues throughout the United States.

Gabriel now devotes his time to the efforts of the organization. He speaks at schools and organizations throughout the United States about the importance of education and its necessity in Sudan. His education and fund-raising efforts are directed solely to building Ariang School and to train teachers in order to enhance existing educational systems in Southern Sudan.

With your help we can provide hope to children facing the horrific realities of life in Sudan that no child should have to encounter.

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