Educate, Equip, and Empower Current & future leaders in South Sudan & beyond to transcend division, promote development, and transform communities
Raising Current
and Future Leaders
The mission of Undying Hope is educational to impact the people of South Sudan, and beyond, in four spheres of activity: basic education, public health, and healthcare services, leadership development, and spiritual formation.
EducationPublic HealthHealthcare ServicesLeadership DevelopmentSpiritual Formation
Decades of civil war devastated South Sudan
Thousands of precious lives were lost, millions became internally displaced persons (IDPs) within the country or refugees in neighboring nations, and many more vulnerable citizens were left in abject poverty facing starvation. During the war, the few health and educational buildings were destroyed, and teachers fled the region—leaving no infrastructure to support education.
70% among ages 14+ are out of school
73% Illiteracy Rate
75% of primary-aged girls are not in school
14% of women die during child delivery (1 in 7), making South Sudan the highest Maternal Mortality Rate (MMR) in the world.
8.4% of infants die at birth (84/1000), placing South Sudan among countries with the highest Infant Mortality Rate (IMR) in the world.
Our Vision
South Sudan
Juba
Juba—capital city of South Sudan. UHI Administration & Coordination Office
WauWau—Undying Hope International Future expansion
MalakalMalakal—Undying Hope International Future expansion
AweilAweil—Multipurpose Buildings Project
South Sudan Quick Facts
- On July 9th, 2011, South Sudan seceded from Sudan and became an independent sovereign nation
- The estimated population of South Sudan is 11 Million
- The estimated total land area of South Sudan is 235.9 sq. miles (nearly size of Texas)
- Currently, South Sudan has only one paved road outside Juba, the capital, connecting to Kenya and Uganda. A few more roads are on the way.
- 72% of South Sudan’s population are young adults under the age of 30.
- South Sudan lacks infrastructure such as good schools, clean water, paved roads, and well-equipped hospitals
Due to decades of civil war, the people of South Sudan are grappling with economic hardship, the absence of good schools, poor health care facilities, and a lack of paved roads. Often, classrooms are entirely outdoors. Students use rocks and planks for seating and have only one or two textbooks for all subjects.
Intentional, quality education is the solution to the problems facing war-torn South Sudan. Through education, community development, entrepreneurship, and leadership training, Undying Hope is raising a generation of leaders that can transform the future of South Sudan and beyond.
THEIL T. THEIL
President & Co-Founder
School of Leadership
This four-year boarding school program for girls and boys will weave together a traditional secondary education with leadership and entrepreneurship training. This school will be an opportunity to build relationships across communities, undermining the tribalism that destroys peace in South Sudan and cultivating leaders that have a vision of a brighter future.
Additionally, the UHI Administrative & Coordination office will build relationships with local government, businesses, and communities in Juba, the capital city of South Sudan. This office will oversee the work at the school, serve as a strategic networking opportunity, and adapt the leadership training to be used in businesses, government, and other organizations.
Our ValuesCompassionIntegrityTransparencyStewardshipResiliency
You can Help
Community members in Aweil and Wau generously donated construction and farming lands to Undying Hope as their active way of supporting Undying Hope’s vision and mission. We need your support as we build the future of South Sudan.
Theil T. Theil
President & CEO
Book Theil for a public speaking engagement
Listen to Theil Theil share his incredible story of overcoming the challenges of growing up in a civil war as well as the vision for Undying Hope. He can bring this inspirational message to schools, organizations, churches, groups, etc.
Hope Rising Updates
Stories of Hope: Founders
Undying Hope began its journey towards sustainability and community development over three years ago. The two co-founders, Theil and Aluel, aimed to give back to their community ...
Stories of Hope: Raymond
A GIFT TO SHARE Raymond is a brilliant and determined young man whose life took a significant turn when he was awarded the Undying Hope scholarship to ...
Story of Hope: Charles
A Journey of Resilience To many, the path to becoming a lawyer may seem insurmountable. However, for Charles Pasquali, a law graduate from the University of Juba, ...
A Gift to Share
Raymond Ladu is a brilliant and determined young man whose life turned around when he was offered the Undying Hope scholarship to complete his secondary school education. ...
Derrakoon Tree
In This Update Resilience: Derakoon Tree Panda Hope Kenya (PHK) in Progress Our Fruit Trees Undying Hope Alumni Association Agriculture, Water, and Health Projects Story of Hope ...
On the Second Floor: Words of thanks and gratitude from Theil and Aluel
Congrats to our Founders on 21 years of marriage! From Theil: My wife, Aluel, and I moved to the second floor last year, and we are still ...
5-Year Sustainability Plan
“We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.” - Winston Churchill Support a Student's Journey through School in ...
Oasis in the Stuggles of Life
Undying Hope Team Visit to Kenya and Uganda: We are thrilled to share our vision for the virtual education program and the incredible opportunities it presents! Our ...
Eric Genuis Benefit Concert for Undying Hope!
We are pleased to invite you to a special benefit concert featuring internationally acclaimed pianist Eric Genius and his orchestra, supporting Undying Hope International's programs in East ...
An Educator’s Influence
Today was one of those days when I overheard a conversation on the public bus that made me begin to converse also within me. Two college students ...
Empowering Futures
In a country where education opportunities can be so limited, especially for those from economically constrained backgrounds, the past three years as a coordinator at Undying Hope ...
Story of Hope: Evaline
For over three years, Undying Hope has been making a tremendous impact in war-torn South Sudan, rekindling hope among its people. For Evaline (now Dr. Evaline), receiving ...
Every Dollar Spent on Education Counts
From potential to cultural diversity, education stands out as one of the most important contributors to development and empowerment in South Sudan. However, for many students facing ...
Stories of Hope: Andrew
UNLOCKING OPPORTUNITIES: From South Sudan to Petroleum Engineering in Algeria As Robert Louis Stevenson once said, "Don't judge each day by the harvest you reap, but by ...
Stories of Hope: Ms. Ayueek
EMPOWERED TO EMPOWER At the Undying Hope Organization, we firmly believe that investing in education creates lasting change not only for individuals but also for entire communities. ...
Embracing Accomplishments while Keeping Head Above Water
Teacher Training Program: In the last update, I shared some exciting news about a vision for a teacher training program in South Sudan. Thank you to the ...
Overwhelming Poverty
On This Update Bill's Feedback Spiritual Formation and Health SS Public Universities and Kenya Teachers Training In February of this year, a group of 12 friends from ...
Stories of Hope: Abak
Abak was always a bright student with a passion for learning, eager to build a future through her education. However, fate was not kind to her; at ...
Story of Hope: Madut
Madut lost his father at a young age during the South Sudan liberation struggle, before he could fully understand the concept of loss. The war not only ...
February 2024 Update: First Undying Hope Board Meeting in East Africa & More
Undying Hope's impact at the University of Juba, South Sudan 2024 Undying Hope visiting Team to East Africa:From February 1-3, the Undying Hope visiting team departed from ...
Merry Christmas Wishes
The Theils, Undying Hope leadership team, and the 131 students who are in school in South Sudan and Kenya, as a direct result of your generosity, wish ...
Give Hope and Opportunity
Since South Sudan gained its hard-earned independence from the Republic of Sudan on July 9, 2011, the literacy rate has been at 27%, one of the lowest ...
Back To School: Ignite Hope & Give Opportunity
In this update Happy Halloween Back to School International Operations Story of Hope from South Sudan Dear friends and family, Happy Halloween!!!! My family (Aluel, Nina, Thomas, ...
Stories of Hope: Apajok
Apajok is a young woman who has always dreamed of attending school and receiving an education, despite her culture's expectations for girls to marry young. Many people ...
Back to School amid Hope and Uncertainty
The Theils and Undying Hope family sends you greetings, love, and hugs from East Africa! My family transition is coming along well. The weather in Nairobi has been ...
Greetings from Africa
Dear family and friends,My family made it safely to East Africa a few hours ago to stay permanently. I will travel back to the United States once ...
Going by Faith—December 2022 Update
Christmas Charitable Giving: If you are considering Christmas charitable giving this year, please consider Undying Hope for South Sudan and beyond. Any dollar amount you donate is ...
Compassion Lifts Clouds of Uncertainty
Poverty-stricken populations lack basic necessities and experience unbearably painful and cloudy life. Feelings of helplessness and hopelessness intensify when we face challenges and difficulties beyond our control ...
United around Books and Beans
Tribalism is eroding the social fabric of South Sudan. Admittedly, tribalism is one of many problems South Sudan is grappling with, hindering development and prosperity. On my ...
Stories of Hope: Martha
"You have paved my way to success and the burden I was struggling with is now being shouldered by Undying Hope International." - Martha, 1st Year Medical School Student
Stories of Hope: Mabile
From the very beginning, Mabile distinguished himself not only as an intelligent young man but also as a visionary leader with discipline. While pursuing his law degree ...
Together we can GIVE HOPE!!
Sponsorship Opportunity:With the growth of Undying Hope in East Africa comes a need for student sponsorship. As mentioned above, our students range from elementary school to university ...
Stories of Hope: Atak
Your generosity is not just a charitable contribution but is also a big investment towards bringing change in South Sudan and the world at large. Atak, 3rd Year Medical ...
Stories of Hope: Jane
You have really lightened my financial burden which allows me now to focus more on the most important aspect of school learning and not searching for fees. Receiving your generosity has inspired me to think of helping others and identify ways to give back to my community. I hope one day I will be ...
Special Update from South Sudan
This special update will highlight several important strategic tasks and achievements before, during, and after our recent trip to South Sudan and "beyond." Dr. Charles and Theil ...
Building A Healthy Nation
Story of Hope Preventable diseases are taking a toll on young South Sudan. This desperate situation could not be more true for 11-year-old South Sudan. Since its ...
A Ray of Hope for Vulnerable Kids
in South Sudan
The Theils & Undying Hope My daughter, Ayan (AKA Nina) turned two years old today. Yay!! Nina was born on April 15. She is a Tax Day lady!My wife ...
Change of Address
1. Undying Hope now has an official Houston address, both street address and P.O. Box: Undying Hope International17119 Red Oak Dr.Houston, TX 77090orUndying Hope InternationalP.O. Box 90120Houston, TX 770902. Undying Hope now has ...
Build A Foundation Of Hope For South Sudan
The people of South Sudan are grappling with deplorable living conditions, with economic hardship, an absence of good schools, poor health care facilities, and a lack of ...
Hope Against All Odds: Highlights From Recent Trip To My Beloved South Sudan
My recent trip to South Sudan was fruitful and encouraging. That being said, I experienced a piercing thorny pain in my heart due to countless orphans and ...
Seeds Of Hope & Student Scholarships Trip
A few months ago, I mentioned a potential trip to South Sudan in March 2022 for four main purposes, among others: Set the stage for the May ...
An Announcement: Theil T. Theil Transition To Texas (TTTTTT) With Family
The Theils Transition to Texas God's plan is the heart of this update. Life is often unpredictable, and God's calls are irresistible. He has a plan for ...
Undying Hope 2022 Student Scholarship Program
Today, I am reminded of the day I set foot on US soil as a newly arriving refugee. It was a frigid day for African bones, which ...
Honda Pilot On The Mission
Dear family and friends,With an outpouring joy and gratitude, I want to share exciting and uplifting news with you. The owner of Pohanka of Salisbury has donated ...
Survival Against The Odds
Resilience. As I contemplated on all the positive outcomes and array of challenges in 2021, the word "Resilience" popped up in my mind, if you will. Oxford ...
From Three Cooking Stones To A Catalyst For Transformation
Scholarship for 50 -100 studentsand Train-the-Trainer Program for 2022 Dear family and friends, We are thrilled and looking forward to 2022 with overflowing joy, commitment, and passion ...
Christmas & Bright Moonlight
Dear family and friends, As the world celebrates Christmas (December 25th), my family wishes you and your family a wonderful and joy-filled Christmas Eve and Day! On ...
Boots On The Ground
Dear family and friends, This time of the year, we look back to examine and evaluate how we spent our God's given year, pause and focus at ...
Thank You!!!!! Giving Hope Campaign For Scholarships
Giving Hope Campaign for Scholarships Dear family and friends, Establishing, leading, or working for a nonprofit organization is undoubtedly challenging. However, the deep joy of imagining someone's ...
Undying Hope’s Core Values: Endurance
Endurance The people of South Sudan have endured much pain, suffering, and loss of countless precious lives during civil wars coupled with widespread diseases, ongoing famines, and ...
South Sudan’s 10th Independence Anniversary & Killarney House Fundraiser & more
Dear family and friends of South Sudan, Happy South Sudan's 10th Independence Anniversary! On this day, 10-years ago, South Sudan gained its independence from Sudan and became ...
Theil’s Update: June 2021
Dear family and friends, Before typing this update, I took the time to reflect on many of God’s blessings in my life. I am thankful for my ...
The Accelerating Moving Walkway
The Accelerating Moving Walkway My first encounter with the accelerating moving walkway was at the Amsterdam Schiphol airport. My friend Ericson and I were at the airport ...
Shooting at Taab Market
A Story of Hope and Resiliencefrom my Childhood Shooting at Taab Market The social and political injustices which happened in Sudan revealed the intense cultural divide between ...
The Statue of Liberty, Beacon of Hope
The Statue of Liberty in New York sheds light on my hopes and aspirations upon arriving on U.S. soil as a new refugee. On September 28, 1998, ...
A Basic Animation Story Created By My 13-Years Old Son + Update
Animation + Update Dear family and friends, With great joy and deepest admiration, I am sharing with you a few slides of an animation story created by my ...
Behind Every Number there is a real person’s face
Dear Friends and Family, A simple google search on South Sudan shows over two million precious lives lost during decades of Sudan civil war and a staggering ...
Christmas Greetings & Encouragement
Dear family and friends, On behalf of my family and Undying Hope, I would like to take this opportunity to humbly express my deepest gratitude and thanksgiving ...
Give the Gift of Hope
As the weather turns colder here in the United States, the warmer season is just beginning in South Sudan. Due to economic hardship, many children in South ...
In Honor of my precious mom
The phone rang in the middle of the night, startling me from sleep. The time on my phone flashed 3:59 AM and the caller ID showed my ...
Donation Status Update
Dear Partners in Ministry, With our deepest gratitude, my wife, Aluel, and I would like to thank you for your continued prayers and generosity toward my Residency ...
3 Reasons Why “Undying Hope” Is A Name Of Choice
At this juncture along the spectrum of my Undying Hope journey, I thought it fitting and timely to share what Undying Hope means to me personally, a ...
Exciting Announcement
With profound joy and gratitude, I am announcing the launching of the Undying Hope new website!! This step could not have been possible without prayers, support, and ...
July 2020 Update
Dear family and friends, With profound gratitude and joy, I would like to share two exciting news with you this month!!! More detailed information regarding "What Next" ...
Update #9: Nominal Christianity in South Sudan
Nominal Christianity in South Sudan is spreading like a wildfire. Generally, these folks are church-goers who identify themselves as Christians, but don’t abide by what the scripture ...