Alabaster in
South Sudan

Leer, Unity State

Educating Students in Isolated Communities

In May 2023, Alabaster expanded its programming to Leer, South Sudan. Accessible only by canoe during the rainy season and devastated by the civil war, Leer is a place like no other. And yet the people of Leer embody deep faith and resilience. Children show up in droves to school, where trees serve as makeshift classrooms even in 100-degree heat and essentials like chalkboards have been destroyed by war and floods.

In partnership with local NGO UNIDOR (Universal Intervention and Development Organization), Alabaster is focused on educational capacity building for three primary schools in Leer: Leer Primary, Mary John Primary and Rubykuay Primary. These schools are in need of essential school supplies and classroom renovations to provide long-term, sustainable support for learning in the community.

Leer Youth for Trees Initiative

Alabaster, in collaboration with UNIDOR, the Leer County Education Department, Leer Primary School, and Naak Primary School, has launched Leer County’s first-ever youth-led tree planting initiative. More than 100 fruit trees—including jackfruit, avocado, and mango—were planted across two school gardens, with active participation from over 100 students, the majority of whom are girls. Each student was entrusted with the care of a specific tree, fostering a strong sense of civic responsibility, environmental stewardship, and climate resilience. As these trees mature, they are expected to not only enrich the local environment but also contribute nutritious fruit to supplement school feeding programs—creating a lasting impact on both health and sustainability.

Women-Owned Tea Hospitality Business

Alabaster, in collaboration with our local partner, UNIDOR, has launched a women-owned business pilot in Leer, South Sudan, bringing together 15 women to launch 3 businesses serving tea and snacks throughout the community. The women have rented shops, purchased supplies and begun their businesses and Alabaster has provided a comprehensive Women in Leadership and Business training to these new entrepreneurs and will continue to monitor and provide support as their businesses grow! The women have already been able to generate income to cover school fees for their children and they are committed to ensuring their businesses thrive!

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