Abukloi's History in South Sudan

When South Sudan voted for independence in 2011 from Sudan, it became the world’s newest nation facing complex problems of no infrastructure, severe malnutrition, and one of the world’s highest mortality rates. War and neglect had left two million people in southern Sudan dead and another four million displaced. 

The staggering conflict was brought to the world’s attention, in large part, through the experiences of the thousands of children from southern Sudan who fled merciless attacks by the Mujahideen by traveling on foot over hundreds of miles to reach safety in nearby African countries. Collectively, the children who survived the journey are known as the “Lost Boys” of Sudan.

One of these children, Angelo Maker, arrived in Virginia, USA, looking forward to a new life. Over the next decade, he received his high school diploma and completed a bachelor’s and master’s degree. He also married a beautiful partner in life and started a family. But his heart was always in South Sudan. He committed to return home to help his people rebuild. In 2010, with the help of friends in the USA and South Sudan, he founded Abukloi Foundation.

Since independence from Sudan, their history has been complicated by many factors, economically, culturally and educationally.

Where is Abukloi located?

South Sudan By The Numbers

• More than 70% of the population is under the age of 30
• The fastest population growth rate in the world (4.65%) 
• Gross National Income per capita: $360 - $460 USD 
• 7,700,000 South Sudanese face high levels of acute food insecurity in need of urgent action.
• An estimated 2.8 million school-age children (70%) are NOT enrolled in schools. 
• About 20% of ALL students complete primary school
• Only 11% of females having access to primary education and only 5% completing eighth grade