"Shadows of Sudan" Debuts

 

On May 8^th, the Sudan Project students premiered their documentary “Shadows of Sudan.” After a previewing the film in front of the 600 students of the Upper School, the students spent the next two weeks making additions and revisions to the film. Additionally, they orchestrated the design and sale of “Peace for Sudan” t-shirts. While raising awareness within the school community, they were also able to raise over $300 which was contributed to the UNICEF efforts in Sudanese refugee camps. The culmination of this year-long project was an emotional moment for many students who left the showing proud of what they accomplished and deeply connected to this cause.

Visiting with Emmanuel Jal

 

Several members of the MICDS Sudan Project traveled to St. Louis University on April 1, 2009 for Emmanuel Jal’s book signing of his memoir War Child: A Child Soldier’s Story. During the course of the year, Sudan Project students watched the film by the same name that detailed Jal’s escape from the conflict in Southern Sudan and his use of his music as a creative outlet for all of his experiences. The film follows Jal’s return to Sudan and his reunion with members of his family, as well as his advocacy around the world. Students were able to visit with Jal briefly and explain their current work with footage provided by Karin Muller and the progress of their documentary.

Students Skype with Karin Muller

This afternoon Karin Muller spent an hour and a half with students in The Sudan Project discussing their mini-documentaries. Students are divided into ten groups who will produce smaller pieces that will then be considered for the larger project. Karin’s help was invaluable as she was able to offer background information not available on the tape summaries, ask pertinent questions and point students in new directions. Students enjoyed finally getting to see and speak with someone they had heard about for months. After speaking with Karin, students returned to their projects with renewed enthusiasm for their projects.

A Visit with Desmond

Westminster College student, Desmond Yengi, visited with the Sudan class and shared his personal story of leaving his village in Sudan, to his time in a refugee camp in Uganda to how he made his way to England and the United States to pursue his education. His story "How Long is the Journey" is under the tab for course handouts. His calm presence was a powerful example of human courage and perseverance for the students.

Video of Danforth Visit