OUR STORY
Our Story
Our Story
In 2012, Ibrahim Ayad, a child of Um-Ruwaba (Sudan) parents and a long-time Cisco veteran, went back to visit his hometown for the first time in many years. He was surprised to find significant misery and carelessness in the education system. He couldn't believe his eyes when he saw that the "school" was nothing more than a poorly built shack and these children were supposed to call it a place of learning and knowledge. Unfortunately, many schools in Sudan were in a similar state of disrepair, and Manfour Elementary School was no exception.
In 2012, Ibrahim Ayad, a child of Um-Ruwaba (Sudan) parents and a long-time Cisco veteran, went back to visit his hometown for the first time in many years. He was surprised to find significant misery and carelessness in the education system. He couldn't believe his eyes when he saw that the "school" was nothing more than a poorly built shack and these children were supposed to call it a place of learning and knowledge. Unfortunately, many schools in Sudan were in a similar state of disrepair, and Manfour Elementary School was no exception.
Having been completely caught off-guard by what he experienced, Ayad decided he would come back soon to help out his community. He returned home and shortly after, he started his adventure in completing his PhD at the University of Colorado, Boulder. During this time, the challenges of Manfour Elementary school continued to weigh heavily on Ayad’s mind. It was then that he decided to start a foundation where he, his family, friends, and hopefully some volunteers could pull together to make a meaningful impact for his Sudanese community. The goal would be for them to travel to Sudan where they would establish wells, build classrooms and bring the basic necessities to the poverty-stricken country.
Having been completely caught off-guard by what he experienced, Ayad decided he would come back soon to help out his community. He returned home and shortly after, he started his adventure in completing his PhD at the University of Colorado, Boulder. During this time, the challenges of Manfour Elementary school continued to weigh heavily on Ayad’s mind. It was then that he decided to start a foundation where he, his family, friends, and hopefully some volunteers could pull together to make a meaningful impact for his Sudanese community. The goal would be for them to travel to Sudan where they would establish wells, build classrooms and bring the basic necessities to the poverty-stricken country.
The timing could not have been better for Ayad to start his foundation. The school district had given them only 2 months to restore some of the classrooms or the school year would be suspended! The plan was to build two classrooms which cost about $7,000 each - and that didn’t include seats, uniforms, or textbooks. At least they would have a roof over their heads to shelter them during the rainy season and extreme heat of the remaining nine months of the year where temperatures average 100+ degrees Fahrenheit. Ayad was able to raise $4,500 and added to it $ 2,600 out of pocket to complete one classroom. It took 4 weeks of personal time off work, an expensive plane ticket and the support of his family to get this project completed.
The timing could not have been better for Ayad to start his foundation. The school district had given them only 2 months to restore some of the classrooms or the school year would be suspended! The plan was to build two classrooms which cost about $7,000 each - and that didn’t include seats, uniforms, or textbooks. At least they would have a roof over their heads to shelter them during the rainy season and extreme heat of the remaining nine months of the year where temperatures average 100+ degrees Fahrenheit. Ayad was able to raise $4,500 and added to it $ 2,600 out of pocket to complete one classroom. It took 4 weeks of personal time off work, an expensive plane ticket and the support of his family to get this project completed.
At the opening of the classroom, some people were praying, while others were shedding tears of happiness as they realized there is still hope for their children's education. None of this could have come true without the generous donations he received from people who wanted to help make a difference. Every donation helped the school, despite the lack of basic human and educational needs, remain ranked in the top 5% in the district academically.
At the opening of the classroom, some people were praying, while others were shedding tears of happiness as they realized there is still hope for their children's education. None of this could have come true without the generous donations he received from people who wanted to help make a difference. Every donation helped the school, despite the lack of basic human and educational needs, remain ranked in the top 5% in the district academically.
Today, Manfour Elementary School is still in desperate need of help. It struggles on many fronts, most notably with basic needs such as a consistent clean water supply, chairs, and even bathrooms. Their two existing classrooms don’t even have concrete floors, doors, or windows. Above all, the greatest need is a steady water source which allows for students and teachers to wash their hands, prepare food for noon meals, and provide drinking water. The next priority is building classrooms. Ayad thanks the people who supported him in the building of this classroom. Giving a child the gift of education, the ability to fight illiteracy and the hope for a brighter future through education is priceless. However, what has been done is only a starting point; the community has a long way to go. Ayad hopes that with the help of kind-hearted people like you, the people of Sudan and North East Africa can have an opportunity for an educated life.
Today, Manfour Elementary School is still in desperate need of help. It struggles on many fronts, most notably with basic needs such as a consistent clean water supply, chairs, and even bathrooms. Their two existing classrooms don’t even have concrete floors, doors, or windows. Above all, the greatest need is a steady water source which allows for students and teachers to wash their hands, prepare food for noon meals, and provide drinking water. The next priority is building classrooms. Ayad thanks the people who supported him in the building of this classroom. Giving a child the gift of education, the ability to fight illiteracy and the hope for a brighter future through education is priceless. However, what has been done is only a starting point; the community has a long way to go. Ayad hopes that with the help of kind-hearted people like you, the people of Sudan and North East Africa can have an opportunity for an educated life.
"THE FUTURE OF THE WORLD IS IN A CLASSROOM WAITING TO BLOSSOM" (Sara Ayad)
"THE FUTURE OF THE WORLD IS IN A CLASSROOM WAITING TO BLOSSOM" (Sara Ayad)