Brick by Brick

After the turmoil Jacob has endured, one would think he’d finally be happy to settle down and live a quiet life in Canada. But the selfless 25-year-old man from Sudan has dedicated himself to help others.

Just seven years old, Jacob fled his home village of Duk Padiet when it was invaded by fighting forces. Not knowing his family’s fate, he continued his trudge towards an over-crowded, violent, and poverty stricken refugee camp in Ethiopia, where he remained for 13 years.

Tired of his miserable existence, Jacob sought out a better life in Canada. He was granted an interview at the Canadian Embassy, and after a couple of weeks, he was given the appropriate permission to travel to Canada. Armed with his ticket to Halifax and a small repayable loan to get him started, Jacob spent the next four years working odd jobs and going to school to improve his English.

Today, he is a business student at the Acadia University. He speaks at high schools and community meetings all over the country to promote a cause he started – the Brick by Brick fundraiser established to help build a new school in his old village. He also feels obliged to spread awareness. Having endured a difficult life, he appreciates what he has found in Canada, and wants others to count their blessings as well.

“I’m not just trying to get people to help me build a school…I’m also trying to tell them not to take their freedom for granted. In the face of the world as it is, they need to know how lucky they are to be in Canada.”

So far, Jacob’s Wadeng Wings of Hope Society has raised $20,000 with its sale of bricks for $25. It is not close to the $300,000 goal but he is optimistic.

Eighteen years after escaping his besieged village, the grown man returned to his childhood home. In December of 2005, Jacob travelled back to Duk Padiet and brought 120 goats for the villagers. But all the jubilation did not compare to when he was finally reunited with the remaining members of his family. His three sisters could not believe the tall young man in front of them was the seven-year-old they so fondly remembered.

Jacob saw much had changed — all the schools had been completely obliterated. Knowing the value of a good education, he felt the least one could do is to provide a place to learn in for the next generation. While the village children sat under the shade of trees taking their classes from volunteer teachers, Jacob made the commitment to raise the money for the school and help his people.

Back in Canada, Acadia business professor Edith plans to do what she can to involve the university in this noble mission, while the Dean of Dalhousie University’s faculty of management, David, also sees his institution as joining the cause.

Sitting back in class at Acadia, Jacob does not forget his plans to return to Duk Padiet for the school opening. All the support he has received and continues to receive has cemented his determination.

“I have my dreams, and I know when the time is right Nova Scotians will embrace my dreams.”

His words show how he has taken advantage of his opportunities in Canada. His success is not only mirrored in his education and new life in Canada, but exemplified in his contributions to the betterment of humanity.

Note: Special thanks and acknowledgement to The Halifax Herald’s business editor, Steve, who allowed CIC to use his original article on Jacob as a backgrounder.

Sudan

Sudan’s history in the last few years has been marked by violent conflicts that have pitted people of different races, religions and regions against one another. Conflict has been especially intense in the region of Darfur. A peace deal was signed in 2006, but violence in Darfur continues. More than 400,000 individuals have been killed and 2.5 million people have been displaced.

Today, the millions of displaced civilians living in refugee camps continue to be in need of international support.