It's been an adventure working with Project Education Sudan for a year now. I joined as an intern and have stayed on to volunteer. When I started there they had made amazing progress since the organization was founded in 2005 but things were starting to move slower. They needed new ideas and new ways to get money to Southern Sudan.
As the expiration of the 2005 Comprehensive Peace Agreement came closer, international eyes were focused on Sudan. People who barely knew where the country was were now advocates for the independence of the South from the North and celebrities like George Clooney stationed themselves in Sudan during the elections. Project Education Sudan was right in the mix of things and work finally started to speed up.
No matter how personable you are or how creative you can be, timing is a major factor in Public Relations and Communications, especially when you are attempting to gain exposure. Current events are the easiest way to get media sources to pay attention to your pitches. Suddenly, the small NGO was inundated with requests for interviews, articles and members to speak at events. The motto "the more the merrier" was never so prevalent for Co-Founder Carol Rinehart. She needed all the help she could get.
With everything taking off, so did the push for the huge fundraiser that is in the works. The idea for Climb For Sudan was created by Joe Rogers and his fellow climbing friends. I can't explain his reasoning behind it better than what he has said in his own words:
This fundraiser has taken off and the timing could not be more perfect. Southern Sudan is ready for change and they need a means to do so. PES has already done so much for the people of Southern Sudan, but there is so much more to be done. In order to reach our goal of $100,000, PES has been working on sponsorships for the climb ranging from $15,000 donations to $500 for sponsoring a peak. Companies such as Larabar have jumped to sponsor and many more are to come.
Big things are happening for PES and I am happy to be a part of and helping a great organization that actually fulfills its promises to the indigenous people and gives them what they truly need.
(All pictures compliments of projecteducationsudan.org)
As the expiration of the 2005 Comprehensive Peace Agreement came closer, international eyes were focused on Sudan. People who barely knew where the country was were now advocates for the independence of the South from the North and celebrities like George Clooney stationed themselves in Sudan during the elections. Project Education Sudan was right in the mix of things and work finally started to speed up.No matter how personable you are or how creative you can be, timing is a major factor in Public Relations and Communications, especially when you are attempting to gain exposure. Current events are the easiest way to get media sources to pay attention to your pitches. Suddenly, the small NGO was inundated with requests for interviews, articles and members to speak at events. The motto "the more the merrier" was never so prevalent for Co-Founder Carol Rinehart. She needed all the help she could get.
With everything taking off, so did the push for the huge fundraiser that is in the works. The idea for Climb For Sudan was created by Joe Rogers and his fellow climbing friends. I can't explain his reasoning behind it better than what he has said in his own words:
“People sometimes search their entire lives for a purpose or direction. The search can lead down a path to material success, spiritual awakening or even a road less traveled in which you choose to look beyond yourself and discover the value in helping to better the lives of the world’s less fortunate. Climb for Sudan is our road less traveled.”
The climbers will take on all 54 mountains in Colorado that are 14,000ft or higher in a two month period this summer. On the easier 14ers, volunteers and advocates are welcome to climb beside not only Rogers and his friends, but some of the Lost Boys themselves.
This fundraiser has taken off and the timing could not be more perfect. Southern Sudan is ready for change and they need a means to do so. PES has already done so much for the people of Southern Sudan, but there is so much more to be done. In order to reach our goal of $100,000, PES has been working on sponsorships for the climb ranging from $15,000 donations to $500 for sponsoring a peak. Companies such as Larabar have jumped to sponsor and many more are to come. Aside from Climb For Sudan, PES has made partnerships with companies such as Ears To Our World (ETOW) who build shortwave radios and distribute them to the most remote areas of the world. Project Education Sudan brought the radios to Sudan in a very successful pilot program and will be bringing more this years' trip in March.
Project Education Sudan has also gained a great amount of exposure through Nike's The Girl Effect, CNN and Colorado Public Radio!
Big things are happening for PES and I am happy to be a part of and helping a great organization that actually fulfills its promises to the indigenous people and gives them what they truly need.(All pictures compliments of projecteducationsudan.org)
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