The Lost Boys

Theirs is a story of overcoming terrible odds in the face of war and poverty, finding a new life, and going home to help a community in need. A group of young orphaned refugees escaped warring militia forces, trekked through the wilderness facing the threat of wild animals, witnessed their friends' deaths by drowning, starvation, and fatigue. These Lost Boys fled their homeland and journeyed to neighboring countries. Some made it as far as the United States, residing in Florida, Texas, California, Kentucky, Nebraska, Arizona, Colorado, Massachusetts, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Maine.

60 Minutes - The Lost Boys of Sudan -- http://vimeo.com/26288723

These Lost Boys have grown up and wish to use their skills to benefit their home community. Among a number of goals the Panyijiar Community Development Services group hopes to achieve is the construction of a library in their hometown. They believe this a center of information will be a wonderful first step to improving the community.

RETURN OF THE LOST BOYS OF SUDAN

"On July 9th 2011 the world’s newest nation was born. South Sudan was declared independent after over 25 years of bitter civil war with North Sudan. When the war began in 1983, over 4 million people were displaced. Among them were the ‘Lost Boys of Sudan’ – the name given to over 20,000 child refugees who fled their villages, some aged as young as seven. Many were recruited as child soldiers in the rebel army; others were exiled abroad. Now the Lost Boys are returning home…" -- http://vimeo.com/44323491

Panyijiar Community Development Services s a 501(c)3 tax-exempt non-profit organization in North Dakota that is meant to bring to life and support the dreams of Lost Boys of Sudan from Panyijiar.