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 have given me the privilege of working with some truly incredible students, leaders at various levels, and school authorities. I have collaborated closely with local schools to identify students in need who, beyond receiving financial assistance for education, also benefit from the emotional and academic support necessary to excel.

This includes offering counseling and guidance while maintaining open lines of communication with the students, school authorities, and UHI top management. Each student I work with has an inspiring story to share, and it is my responsibility to ensure they receive not only scholarships and educational resources but also the motivation to keep striving—even when the journey becomes more challenging.

Financial instability, one of the region’s major problems, makes securing
consistent funding for educating children by their families difficult. Most families can’t
afford to feed themselves let alone send children to school. But all these challenges make
every success all the more meaningful. Every time I see a student receive their diploma or
continue their studies, defying all odds, I am reminded of the impact education could have on
individuals and communities and how Undying Hope contributes to this.

I can never forget the beginning of 2024 when I was informed by the top management that
there would be no new scholarship awards this year due to a lack of sufficient funds. This was
hard news to break to the students who were hopeful for assistance. In the end, though the
organization was not able to provide as many new scholarships as it had planned earlier, it
was able to support four (4) Medical school students who were in their final year of study and
will be graduating late next year. For Undying Hope to come through for them at such a
critical time meant they could concentrate on their final year of study and for this they will
forever be grateful. With the deficit of healthcare professionals in South Sudan, this would be
a great and impactful addition too.

Such support to students in economically challenged South Sudan isn’t about individual
success but rather about creating a ripple effect throughout an entire community. For these medical school students, success in education will mean leadership that brings change in healthcare access for families and communities. When young people are given the right tools to succeed, you’re not just changing lives but building a better future for a nation such as South Sudan.

If you believe, as I do, in the transformative power of education, then I invite you to join us
in this mission. Together, we can create more opportunities, open more doors, and empower
more students to make their dreams possible. Whether through a financial contribution,
volunteering as a mentor, or just telling others about our work, there are many ways to get
involved. Your involvement, no matter how big or small, helps us to continue making an
impact on lives across South Sudanese communities both in the country and beyond. Let’s make
that change together

In this update

1. Happy Halloween
2. Back to School
3. International Operations
4. Story of Hope from South Sudan

Dear friends and family,

Happy Halloween!!!! My family (Aluel, Nina, Thomas, and I) is sending wonderful Halloween celebration greetings from Nairobi, Kenya. We wish you and your family a wonderful day filled with love, hope, and joy!

Today, I am reminded of last year’s Halloween celebration. My daughter Nina and my son had an unforgettable time in Kingwood, Texas. Most houses in our neighborhood decorated their front yards with traditional Halloween decorations, accessories, and carving pumpkins. Although we don’t know what Halloween celebrations entail, we know Nina will love it tremendously. My wife dressed up Nina with her favorite costume, and off the door, we left for a trick-or-treating.

Joy was written all over Nina and her brother’s faces. What was fascinating, however, was that Nina was leading the way. She goes to every family sitting by their houses and says, “Happy Halloween!”. Through her novice relationship-building skills, she was able to collect lots of all types of candies. She also contributed positively to building a beautiful relationship with our neighbors.

A year later, we are celebrating Halloween in East Africa but with lesser attention compared to the US. To bring Nina close to home, I took Nina yesterday to a Mall closer to the UN compound and the US embassy here in Nairobi because I was under the impression that they would do some decoration. I was right! As soon as Nina saw the Halloween decorations, her face lit up, and she got excited instantaneously. We had a good time walking around the mall and enjoyed a delicious meal; then we came back. Her joy was vividly through the roof. Nina Happy kindled hope and joy in The Theils family.  

We wish you and your family a joy-filled day, too! 

Once again, Happy Halloween 🙂

International Operations:

UHI 2022 – 2023 Student Scholarship Program: 

UHI 2024 Student Scholarship Program:

We, the Undying Hope team on the ground, are getting ready to review scholarship applications for the 2024 school year, which will start in January through December 2024. However, we have a challenge and need your financial support to get us through the next academic year and beyond. Donating any amount (even $10 or more/month) makes a difference in people’s lives. 

Please consider kindling someone’s life and keeping them in school. The price of two cups of coffee or two bottles of milk a month can keep a student in a classroom instead of dropping out due to their family’s inability to pay school fees (tuition). Would you consider joining Undying Hope’s monthly donation of any amount? 

Click here to learn how to give online or send your monthly checks to this physical address.

Undying Hope International
P.O. Box 2514
5350 Bellaire Blvd.
Houston (Bellaire), Texas 77402

On behalf of South Sudan and Kenyan students, thank you in advance for considering joining Undying Hope’s monthly donations. Those who are already on our monthly recurring gifts, thank you so much! You are making a significant difference in this part of the world. Many life is being transformed because of your continued financial support. 

Undying Hope Alumni:

On behalf of the Undying Hope leadership team, I would like to let you know that this year, we have eight students graduating from the University of Juba, one from senior secondary school (high school) and four from elementary schools (primary schools). To say that we are happy to witness Undying Hope’s first alumni is an understatement. This is a huge deal, and we are incredibly ecstatic. Together, we helped these young people cross their first milestone. Undying Hope Coordinator and I are working on developing Undying Hope Alumni Association. Keep us and our first alumni in your thoughts and prayers!

Story of Hope from South Sudan
THE STRIVE FOR EDUCATION
 

Recently I boarded a tuktuk (rasksha) and while leaving the loading station, the station tut asked for a certain fee always paid by tuktuk riders and bus drivers when they load passengers from the designated stations. The rider said in Arabic, “I don’t have it now but when I return, I will give you.” The tut could have none of that and continued to demand that he pay up by all means. So, one of the passengers on board mocked the rider saying, “how can you lack common 200 SSP?” To which the youngster responded saying this was his first ride to get make cash for the day. So, long story short one of the passengers paid up and that off we rode. It immediately hit me how several young school going boys out there riding bikes (commonly known as “bodaboda”) or the tuktuks (rakshas) in turn just to have some pocket money or even raise school fees. One will ride making business in the morning or the afternoon hours and another will take it on through the evening or the night. 

The boy-child languishes in untold strives to be able to raise school fees. Some are engaged in menial. While many are really trying to make a better future for themselves, others have given up and taken to the streets as thugs robbing people by daylight and night. With a little boast many of these would return and others about to get discouraged will have their hope rekindled. Education has a way of keeping one hopeful. Imagine what dreams would come alive at the light of education. Undying hope is lighting up hope across South Sudan and beyond (Kenya) through their scholarship program. Be a part of this great endeavor. Be remembered as a hope-giver. Thanks for your generosity.

Until next update, take care of yourself and each other 

With much love and gratitudes 

Theil T. Theil
President & Co-Founder
Undying Hope International, Inc.