Nurturing Resilient Communities in South Sudan
South Sudan faces ongoing challenges with food insecurity, limited access to clean water, and the increasing impacts of climate change. Severe droughts and seasonal flooding threaten livelihoods, while decades of conflict have degraded much of the land and diminished agricultural production.
The Abukloi Foundation is working alongside local communities to address these challenges through sustainable, community-driven solutions that improve health, strengthen food security, and restore the environment.
As Abukloi grows, donor partnership enables us to reach more families across the Lakes region. Our students and staff live throughout Rumbek, and our education, agriculture, and employment programs connect us deeply to the communities we serve. Guided by respected local leaders, we respond directly to urgent needs and provide essential services that strengthen the region.
"In my engineering career I have had the good fortune to build many interesting things. But never before have I had the opportunity to build an entire nation. That was the opportunity that Angelo Maker offered to me. It was an offer I could not refuse."
-Bill Herman
W.A.S.H. Initiative - Improving Water, Sanitation and Health
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Water Wells
Access to clean water is essential for health and well‑being. Abukloi Foundation has expanded clean water access to hundreds of households, reducing long walks for water and strengthening health, food security, and year‑round agriculture. Through partnerships with local leaders and churches in the USA, these projects support women and children and improve daily life for all across the Lakes State region.
>>>>> Mantangai <<<<<
This well at Abukloi Secondary School provides cool, clean drinking water to over 725 students and staff every day. Water runs to multiple points, including the washroom for students and teachers. Pipes also provide about 300 neighboring households with access at the school's gate. The Mantangai community installed the original borehole in 2009. Abukloi Foundation partnered with donors to install a solar-powered pump and water tank, providing a consistent year-round water supply.
>>>>> Akuac <<<<<
Abukloi Foundation has established two life‑changing wells in Akuac, Rumbek, expanding access to clean water, improving health, and strengthening food security for families who once walked long distances for safe water.
Nancy's Garden: Our first project in South Sudan was drilling a borehole and installing a hand pump in Akuac. Funded by Great Falls United Methodist Church (VA, USA) in 2012, this well was the first improved water source in the area. This project expanded again in 2026 when Raleigh Court Presbyterian Church (VA, USA) funded a solar-powered irrigation system and water tank, enabling year‑round produce gardening at Nancy's Garden and increasing food security for families in Akuac.
Akuac Community Well: In 2025, with support from Ingomar Living Waters (PA, USA), Abukloi supervised the installation of a second borehole and pump outside the fenced garden, making clean water accessible to the entire surrounding community. This well provides safe drinking water for more than 750 people, dramatically reducing the distance families must travel for water.
>>>>> Makerdit <<<<<
For Makerdit's 2,500 community members, the nearest water source required a 6‑mile round‑trip walk. In 2024, with support from Raleigh Court Presbyterian Church (USA), Abukloi drilled a well that now provides clean drinking water for the entire community, including its 1,200 children under the age of 14. To help address regional food insecurity, Abukloi Foundation partnered with Makerdit near Wulu town, 37 km from Rumbek, to launch a 100‑acre farm producing sorghum, maize, and groundnuts. A portion of the grain harvested at Makerdit’s farm is shared with Abukloi Secondary School, strengthening food security for students as well.
>>>>> Makuriric <<<<<
Despite being less than 1.5 miles from the center of Rumbek, the Makuriric payam (neighborhood), home to two primary schools, has little to no access to water or sanitation. After a hand-dug well failed, hundreds of people in this community shared a single borehole with the neighboring payam. In partnership with Ingomar Living Waters (ILW, USA), we installed a well, giving families a safe, convenient source of fresh water.
Sanitation
Proper sanitation improves public health and creates safer learning environments. Students learn the importance of sanitation practices and how they contribute to stronger, healthier communities.
Community Gardens
Building gardens Empowers the people of Rumbek, South Sudan, to meet their community's needs. Sustainable Farming Practices have been developed through partnerships between Abukloi Foundation and village residents.
Environmental Stewardship
At the heart of this work is the Abukloi Secondary School compound, where students gain practical knowledge that extends far beyond the classroom. Through hands-on learning opportunities, young people develop skills that help create healthier families and more resilient communities.
Education is a powerful tool for change. Through environmental stewardship programs, students learn how to care for natural resources, restore the land, and promote sustainable practices that benefit future generations.
The Abukloi school campus is described as an oasis that provides green space, food production, and environmental learning opportunities. Trees support nutrition, provide shade, act as windbreaks, and contribute to a more sustainable learning environment.
