Sons of Sudan

The Sons of Sudan Project at Colorado Christian University is an initiative that seeks to provide quality Christ-centered education to refugees of the Sudanese civil war. This project will be funded through the cooperation of CCU and financial partners.

The History of the Sons of Sudan

Formerly called the “Lost Boys of Sudan,” the Sons of Sudan are refugees of the Sudanese civil war that began in the mid-1980s. During the conflict, thousands of five to eight year old boys, fled to less hostile neighboring nations. Out of an estimated 30,000 young refugees, only 10,000 survived the hardships of starvation, wild animals, and hostile soldiers. These remaining refugees moved from country to country, many ending up in Kenya before being resettled in the United States. Though they have been adopted by churches and community service groups in cities throughout North America, they face the challenge of making their way in a society far different from their agrarian homelands. Most significantly, nearly 80 percent express that their greatest desire is to achieve a college education preparing them to become leaders and peacemakers upon returning to Sudan.

The Educational Strategy

In the spring of 2004, CCU began working to provide the Sons of Sudan a quality Christ-centered education. After assessing their readiness, CCU is bringing these young men through a process of preparation for college and integration into various CCU degree programs. 

Colorado Christian University has developed a two-step process to assist the Sons of Sudan in achieving their educational goals:

  • Preparation:  The Sons of Sudan participate in language training and academic remediation that prepares them for university coursework. Each student must pass a standardized test given to individuals whose primary language is not English. In the 2005-2006 school year, four students are at this stage of their coursework.
  • Integration:  Upon successful completion of the preparation phase, students enroll in regular college courses that lead to a bachelor’s degree. The University offers necessary remedial and/or tutorial assistance to ensure a successful educational experience. At this time seven Sudanese young men are participating in courses at Colorado Christian University and four others are completing preparatory work with the hopes of enrolling in the fall of 2006.

A Three-way Commitment

To achieve this goal. . .

Colorado Christian University has remained committed to provide preparatory classes, a cultural assimilation course, significantly reduced tuition, free housing, and educational support services. 

The Sons of Sudan commit to diligently study, to fulfill work study requirements, and to participate in the on-campus community.

Donors – Financial partners make a life-changing investment in the Sons of Sudan by underwriting the annual tuition cost of $10,000 per student.

How you can be a part of the Sons of Sudan Project

These men have overcome unimaginable challenges. Be a part of their success and their dream of returning to their homeland and serving their country. Colorado Christian University needs financial partners to help the Sons of Sudan overcome financial and educational barriers. After the tuition discount, an estimated $10,000 per year per student is needed in order to help these men accomplish their educational goals. You can be a part of the blessing:

  • Help fund each student’s remaining $10,000/year tuition cost.
  • Support students’ individual needs during their time at CCU through friendship or mentoring opportunities.

Join CCU in providing Christ-centered higher education for the Sons of Sudan! Click here to donate online and be sure to note “SOS” in the notes box or contact the Office of Development at ccudevelopment@ccu.edu or 303.963.3330 now!