Together for the Success of the “Convoy for Reconciliation and Social Justice for South Sudan”

Dear respectable:

* Authors and journalists
* Civil society organizations
* Businessmen and charity organization leaders
* Various Cultural Centers
* Leaders of national parties
* Sudanese expatriates

*and all beloved nationals of the Sudan
First and foremost, we would like to introduce ourselves as a group of Sudanese individuals who believe in the values ​​of freedom, democracy, and reconciliation and support all the human rights values that is needed in our beloved country: The Sudan.
We have decided to embark on a historical initiative with our group ‘Girifna’ to set out on a humanitarian convoy to Southern Sudan.  With that said, we would like to clarify some aspects on this expedition.
This project is the result of a collaboration between ‘Girifna’ and ‘Sudan Sunrise Foundation,’ a reputable foundation working on reconciliation efforts in Sudan and building 41 dream schools of our hero Manute Bol, the late NBA player. Girifna volunteers from Northern Sudan will contribute to the process of completing the construction of Manute Bol’s school in Turalei, Warrap state. The volunteers will leave northern Sudan heading South no later than June 17^th and will work on this project until the launch of the school. The volunteers will then go to Juba, on behalf of those advocating democracy and freedom, to participate in the establishment of the new nation of Southern Sudan.

Respectful people of Sudan, the aim of this project is not only to shed light on the initiation of this school but also our role is to build social justice and peace, promote reconciliation and reestablish trust among the peoples and to reinforce the unifying spirit of Sudan regardless of the last stages of separation.  And as a generation living in difficult times and unfortunate circumstances beyond our control, it is our responsibility to change the overall picture of the relationship among the fabric of the Sudanese society.  We must amend the shortcomings done by others intentionally or unintentionally.  This convoy comes at a critical time in our history given the excruciating circumstances of the sensitive region of Abyei, one of our targeted locations.  But we are determined to accomplish this daunting task with your unwavering support with this historical endeavor.

Respectful people of Sudan, this idea has entered into its implementation stages two weeks ago when the U.S. chapter of Girifna participated in the charity event hosted by Sudan Sunrise Foundation in Washington D.C. May 12 2011.  On that day, Girifna announced its commitment to this initiative in South Sudan.  As a result, Girifna and other youth-led and civil society organizations began their efforts in North Sudan to recruit others for the success of this convoy.

The volunteers will participate in many activities such as:

• Health awareness
• Education
• Awareness in peace building and reconciliations
• Social justice
• Workshops
• Establishing youth networks
• Sport activities in honor of the late Manute Bol
• And other related activities

The agenda is as follows:

• Monday May 30: Press conference
• Workshops on social justice, reconciliation, awareness of the dangers of war – past and present
• Three charity events in Khartoum and Jazeera and open the door for public donations for citizens of South Sudan (i.e. clothes, food, school supplies, medicine etc).
• Youth-led canvases touring churches, mosques, local neighborhoods etc beginning May 30, 2011 to continue through June 17 2011, in which the convoy will travel to South Sudan.

Finally, we would like to reiterate that this significant project is larger than a ‘Girifna’ and the ‘Youth Forum for Social Justice’ initiative and all organizations that are and will be in collaboration.  So in the name of humanity we call on all of you to stand with us, side by side, in our efforts to bring about this convoy for social peace and justice in South Sudan and Sudan as a whole.

Together to promote a culture of social justice
Together to contribute to the education of children in Southern Sudan
Together to heal the rift and create a cohesive social fabric