Jacob Garang was born and raised in Jungle estate, Bor village, South Sudan. The South Sudan Map (courtesy google.com)

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1 HOSPITAL SUPPORT ORGANIZATION HAS DONE IT AGAIN! It gives our organization so much joy to once again watch hope being restored accompanied by a priceless smile of yet another student who shall benefit from our scholarship program. Jacob Ateny Garang is one of the lucky people from South Sudan who through HSO, is going to be part of this program that supports students from South Sudan to further their studies and later go back to their home country and serve their communities. Jacob Ateny Garang The following is a story of resilience and audacity culminated by the determination to stand against all odds for the pursuit of one s dream. It takes a courageous person to set out on a journey to a foreign land with so many uncertainties just to acquire an education. Jacob Garang was born and raised in Jungle estate, Bor village, South Sudan. The South Sudan Map (courtesy google.com) His upbringing was challenging given the fact that he is from a polygamous family which is considered a norm in South Sudan. With a total of fifteen children from the three wives married to their father, life was tough as their head of the family was not able to support

2 them let alone educate them. Their first born son also didn t have a source of income to support the family either. Imagine being forced to work at a very young age! This is what fate dictated for Jacob who had to start working immediately after his primary school level if he was to join high school. Now picture this, of all the jobs he wished for, working in a quarry was his only option as he didn t have the pleasure of choice. This was unfortunately the sad reality of a young teenager who had to work to pay his high school fees as well as that of his younger siblings. So Jacob cleared his primary school and it was time to join high school. But how was he going to manage school and work? You may wonder. Luckily, the high school system at the time, required students to report at 6 A.M. and leave at 2 P.M. this way, he managed to go to school and report to work later in the afternoon. Jacob had to endure the hardship of working in a quarry all his high school life and learn the principle of saving if he ever desired to go to college. Life was tough in South Sudan especially for this young man who had no option but to survive in an environment that was ever in conflict and where young men his age were being sought after to join the military but he chose a different path. He continued with this job even after clearing high school as he awaited his results. Jacob unbelievably managed to raise a total of 400,000/= which he purposed to use to facilitate his further studies. The results came out and he had performed so well despite life being so challenging for him. In the meantime the civil war in South Sudan had gotten worse and young men continued to be targeted. Jacob hence decided to flee to Uganda so that he could further his studies and this would also be in a way his escapism. With the help of a friend, he learnt about a university in Uganda called Mbarara and he actually considered joining the institution. However, upon learning how expensive the university was, he began to look for other alternatives. Jacob s journey to Kenya They say that a journey of a thousand miles begins with one step. Jacob was now ready to embark on that journey. He further consulted and decided to come to Kenya instead after researching about the Presbyterian University of East Africa (PUEA). He was so pleased to find the course he wanted to pursue (Clinical Medicine) offered at PUEA. Jacob didn t hesitate to send his application which was accepted and approved the same month he had applied. Jacob was now done with the easier part for the greatest task lied ahead of him. Travelling to Kenya all by himself and for the first time, would be a hurdle. Bewildered on what to do, Jacob went back to the University s website and contacted the school. The university s administrator came to his aid and further assisted him on how he would get Kenya.

3 Jacob, his journey to Kenya The university administrator contacted Jacob and directed him on how he would come to Kenya via Uganda. Thank heavens for being in the era of technology! The two communicated via the watsup mobile application as well as phone calls and despite language being a challenge, they managed to understand each other and he got to Kenya safely. What followed when he landed to Kenya? Jacob was able to ask for the way to the school from noble Kenyans and he was lucky to get there safe and sound. It was indeed a miracle for Jacob to travel all the way from South Sudan to Kenya under the direction of PUEA S administrator. Though it was a long and tiresome journey, Jacob was more than happy to arrive safe and sound. He was well received at the university and it didn t take long before he settled and started classes. His first year in the university would be a smooth ride as he had saved enough money to cater for his first year.

4 Jacob in Kenya An unexpected sudden twist of events occurred. Jacob was taken ill in his first semester given the change of environment. It took the school registrar to intervene and take Jacob to Kenyatta National Hospital where he was admitted and later discharged. The registrar Mrs. Arao (now retired), settled the hospital bill and Jacob was more than happy to be back to school. While at the University, Jacob was able to make friends fast and was even elected to the school s student leadership where he served and continues to serve as the head of health and sanitation. One of his good friends whom HSO also supports is also from South Sudan. It was amazing how a foreign student was able in an instance to socialize and even beat Kenyan students in the university s student leadership. I guess that is why we are all not the same.

5 Jacob and his good friend Gabriel Gojoh HSO saves the day! In his second year, Jacob had spent nearly all his savings and had nothing left to cater for his upkeep let alone pay his fees. He was lucky to receive support from the school s registrar who supported him atleast for two semesters. Unfortunately, the registrar Mrs. Arao was headed for her retirement and could no longer support Jacob. It was then that HSO was notified of Jacob s financial challenges. His financial crisis was so serious that Jacob developed ulcers due to stress and lack of food. It was time to take action and one of HSO s staff, Hellen Njoki met up with him and Jacob explained his story and challenges.

6 HSO staff Hellen Njoki with Jacob

7 HSO staff Hellen Njoki with Jacob accompanied by his friend Gabriel as he explains his ordeals

8 It gives HSO much pleasure to support yet another needy student this year. Jacob is now in his final year at PUEA and HSO will cater for his remaining sessions as he awaits to clear in December It is our organization s hope that Jacob will do well in his studies and also pursue his dream of serving his community as a clinical officer back in South Sudan. HSO congratulates Jacob Ateny Garang