(Denver) – Arok Thuch Garang, one of the original “Lost Boys of Sudan,” has returned to Colorado to raise awareness and support for South Sudanese orphans currently living in the Kakuma Refugee Camp in Kenya.
Garang now leads the Seeds of South Sudan initiative and is sharing his personal journey of survival to help promote education opportunities for children affected by war and displacement.
Garang was once a cattle herder in South Sudan. But in 1989, conflict erupted when oil was discovered in his homeland, triggering violence by the Arab militia from Khartoum against southern communities. His village was burned to the ground, and at just seven years old, he fled on foot with his 10 year old cousin, travelling over 1,000 miles to Ethiopia. When war spread to Ethiopia, they were forced to flee again, surviving a dangerous journey that included crossing crocodile-infested rivers before finally reaching Kakuma camp in Kenya.
He spent almost a decade in Kakuma under extreme heat and hardship, before being resettled to Denver, USA, in 2001 with support from the United Nations. After arriving in the United States, he earned a degree in economics from the University of Colorado, Denver. Inspired by his experiences and faith, Garang later founded Seeds of South Sudan in 2009, aiming to give other children the same chance at education and safety that he received.
His organisation, supported mainly by American donors, selects South Sudanese orphans from Kakuma to attend boarding schools in Kenya. There, the children receive food, medical care, and an education. Since its founding, Seeds of South Sudan has supported the education of 187 orphans. Of these, 82 have completed high school, 24 are currently in university in Kenya, and five have earned scholarships to study in Canada.
However, Garang says the situation at Kakuma has become more difficult due to cuts in funding from the United States government, particularly under the Trump administration. The reductions in support from USAID have left many orphans struggling for basic needs like food and medical supplies. Garang says this has turned daily life in Kakuma into a constant competition for resources.
Despite these challenges, Garang continues to advocate for education as a solution.
“The children still want to learn. They want a better future,” he said.
He believes that by educating young South Sudanese, they can eventually help rebuild their communities and lead the country forward.
In his outreach work, Garang has been travelling across churches and community organisations in Colorado and Nebraska to share his story and promote the mission of Seeds of South Sudan.
His presentation, titled “Inspiring Hope – Transforming Lives”, focuses on his escape from war, life in a refugee camp, and his journey to America. It also reflects on his calling to help South Sudanese children reclaim their futures.
Speaking at churches such as Montview Presbyterian Church in Denver and Northglenn Christian Church, Garang explained the origin of his organisation’s name.
“A village elder once told me that I would return home one day to plant the seeds of a new life,” he said. “That’s why we call it Seeds of South Sudan.”
Garang’s tour continues across Denver Metro through July, with events listed at www.seedsofsouthsudan.org. Those interested in booking a talk or learning more can email info@seedsofsouthsudan.org or leave a message at +1-720-644-6662 before 8 July.
