Over the past few years, I have gained a large amount of insight into the internal conflicts that have occurred and are occurring in the country of Sudan. I was very aware of the genocide of African farmers and others by the Janjaweed that occurred in the Sudanese region of Darfur, an area about the size of France. The United Nations and the famous actor, George Clooney had worked diligently to help halt the genocide and had been asking countries to pledge help and aid to the people of Darfur. Furthermore, it can be proudly said, that South Sudan is now an independent and sovereign country. However, I was not aware of the story of “The Lost Boys”, who fled from the Sudan during the civil war between the Christians and the Muslims. I was personally very touched by the story of “The Lost Boys”, because it’s a story that exemplifies great faith, dignity, courage, and the triumph of the human spirit over tragedy. “The Lost Boys”, one thousand mile journey into the desert exemplifies their strength for survival and the hope of a new beginning. I learned from the video that many Sudanese Christians associate Islam with terrorists because of the violent and horrible acts that were committed against them. Some of the most horrible and negative experiences they have encountered were losing their entire families in the war and not knowing where they were going to go next. They had an innate fear of the unknown. Furthermore, when the State Department presented the opportunity for them to come to the United States, they faced a whole new set of challenges such as learning about a new culture, adapting to a new climate, and learning a new language. But, perhaps, one of the most surprising and touching facts that I learned from the videos was that all of “The Lost Boys” did not have any sort of identification that represented belonging to a group or a country until they received their passports making them citizens of the United States of America. The United States of America represented a land of numerous opportunities and dreams of a better and successful life for “The Lost Boys”. If I had the opportunity to have “The Lost Boys” in my classroom, I would have ensured that they always felt a sense of belonging and safety in my classroom. Additionally, I would encourage them to talk about the beloved culture they left behind. I would encourage them to celebrate it and to pursue their dreams. I would want them, like all my students, to envision the quote once said by Carson Wienn, “I hope your dreams take you to the corners of your smiles…To the highest of your hopes…To the windows of your opportunities…And to the most special places your heart has ever known.” Furthermore, it could be said that in a sense, we, as educators, encounter “The Lost Boys” in our classrooms every day. They may present themselves as students of poverty, homelessness, English Language Learners, children of immigrants, and etc. These are the students who like “The Lost Boys” may not have a sense of belonging or identity as special and unique individuals. As educators, we must guide them on their journeys into the wonderful world of knowledge while encouraging them to discover who they are as individuals. After all, Nelson Mendela once said, “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world”.
