SOUTH SUDANESE ENRICHMENT FAMILIES INC (formerly Sudanese Education Fund)
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- EIN 43-2043910
- (781) 322-0063
- 339 Pleasant St. Third Floor Malden MA 02148 USA
- www.SSEFBoston.org
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Nonprofit Overview
Causes: Education, Scholarships, Scholarships & Student Financial Aid
Mission: The Sudanese Education Fund (SEF) formed in 2003 to provide educational grants and mentoring support for 180 Sudanese ''Lost Boy and Girl'' refugees who were resettled into the Greater Boston area (3600 nationwide) as part of a federal humanitarian effort. These young refugees, most between the ages of 16 - 24 years, are survivors of the Sudanese civil war that destroyed their villages and killed most of their parents. They grew up searching for safety and freedom, moving from refugee camps in Ethiopia and Kenya. Resettled as refugees, they were given a chance to rebuild their lives and pursue their long nurtured dreams of education. Although they arrived with no financial resources, this community has worked incredibly hard to navigate the pitfalls of cultural adjustment and urban life. With the help of SEF and other refugee agencies, the Sudanese have found a way to juggle multiple jobs and continue their interrupted educations. The SEF supports this focus on education by not only providing limited financial grants but also by connecting the Sudanese to resources through mentoring, peer tutoring and community events. The linkages to mainstream American life and the increased familiarity with how to access educational opportunities have had a tremendous impact.
Target demographics: the South Sudanese community
Geographic areas served: the greater Boston area
Programs: Education Grants Program: SEF provides small grants (~$1000-$2000) to Sudanese students for education expenses such as tuition, books, etc. as well as educational related expenses such as rent. Technology Program: SEF supplies individual households with computers, printers and internet access after they have attended computer skill training workshops. As part of this project, SEF trains a small cohort of Sudanese individuals from each geographic area in Information Technologies so that they can continue to maintain and troubleshoot technical issues. The use of computer technology is seen as a critical way for Sudanese to utilize resources and opportunities posted on the SEF website, communicate with each other and succeed in school. Scholarship Research and Counseling: information about financial aid and scholarship opportunities is often difficult to find in an overwhelming matrix of scholarships and financial aid programs. Our Scholarship Coordinator helps Sudanese individuals apply for funds that would alleviate financial hardships and makes this information available for the entire community. Mentoring Program: SEF connects professionals and other volunteers from Lincoln with individual Sudanese households. Mentors assist with everything from school tutoring to finding appropriate warm clothing for New England winters.