SUD Academy in Nairobi

Students: 336 / Teachers: 16 / Grades: Kindergarten - 11 

School Profile: The SUD Academy began in 2002 as a response to the needs of Sudanese refugees in Kenya. Attendance continues to rise as more refugees find out about the school - great news, but head teacher John Mayik is concerned that continued growth at its current pace will cause overcrowding. In addition to this, the school is in debt to its landlord - they have taken responsibility for the maintenance of their rented facilities to work toward freedom from their debt. With so little current funding, they must also consider how they will feed the students while they are in school. SUD Academy staff members have been soliciting local supermarkets for donations of rice and beans for school lunches.

Through their efforts and despite growing pains, the school has made a great difference in the lives of its students. Recently, the SUD Academy was ranked one of the top schools in the district according to students' exam results. The school also provides extra-curricular activities for its students: a debate team and a soccer team. "The school feels proud about the changes it's making in the lives of the Sudanese children in Nairobi," says Mayik. "These children feel that they are part of the wider community, and through their success against other public schools they feel that [in their minds] they are not refugees."

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