Help Luke, Nyalah and their family come to Canada
I am a Canadian Nurse working in Penticton, BC, Canada and spent a number of years working overseas. I met Luke and Nyalah when I worked as a Nurse in South Sudan in 2016/2017. Luke and Nyalah were living in the Protection of Civilians Camp (a refugee camp for those who are refugees in their own country) where I was working in a small hospital. We have stayed in touch since I left and their family and their story is close to my heart.
In partnership with the Diocese of Kootenay Anglican Church of Canada we have the opportunity to sponsor a family to come to Penticton, BC, Canada. This involves fundraising approximately $45 000 to assist with travel to Canada and all financial support for the family's first year in Canada (housing, medical costs, food/clothing/transportation costs) etc. We have created a local Constituent Group of 8 individuals who are willing to put time and effort into the logistics of bringing the family over and provide support once they arrive; now we need to fundraise!
Luke and Nyalah were born in South Sudan in the mid-90's. They were born during a time of tribal warfare and have been exposed to the unimaginable their entire lives. In 2011 South Sudan became the newest country in the world (separating from Northern Sudan) and tribal conflict escalated, especially between the Nuer (Luke and Nyalah's tribe, the second largest in South Sudan) and the Dinka (the largest tribe in South Sudan) as they fought to gain power. Luke dreamed of a better future for his family and so he brought Nyalah (with her sister Nyajal and their daughter Hadia) to Egypt. Unfortunately, the situation for South Sudanese in Egypt is also challenging. As undocumented migrants no one notices when someone disappears into human trafficking, or for the organ trade. Violence is rampant and poverty is everywhere.
Luke attempted to find his way to Europe by going to Libya where he was kidnapped by human traffickers, managed to escape and attempted to find a way to cross to Europe. Eventually, Luke realized Libya had even more challenges than Egypt so decided to return to his family, only to be arrested crossing back into Egypt with no papers. Luke spent five months in Egyptian prison and was eventually deported back to South Sudan before making his way back north to his family.
Luke and Nyalah had a second daughter since his return to Egypt and they dream of a different future for Nyajal, Hadia and Sara. Luke works as an english teacher at a local school for South Sudanese students and Nyalah takes care of the children. The family is registered as refugees with the UNHCR (United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees) - but resettlement takes years. Few countries are currently accepting refugees and the global pandemic has made things even more challenging.
If we get 45 people to donate $1000 our goals are met. Or 90 people to donate $500… or 450 people to donate $100… or 4500 people to donate $10… or a combination of it all!! Every little bit counts and will make a huge difference in the lives of Luke and Nyalah and their family.
***If, for any reason, Luke and Nyalah are unable to be sponsored, the funds will go to another family seeking sponsorship.
