Movement Spotlight: 2021 Governor's School
For the last 6 years, Operation Broken Silence has been part of Nonprofit Day at Governor’s School for International Studies, hosted by the University of Memphis. Some of the brightest high school students from across Tennessee participate in this program to explore their interests in global issues, diplomacy, and human rights.
This year, a group of these incredible young people updated one of our fundraising campaigns that benefits the two schools we sponsor in Yida Refugee Camp. Amelia Lemmon, a rising senior at Station Camp High School in Hendersonville, TN said:
“While I've learned a little about the civil war in Sudan before, the education I got from working on this fundraiser was shocking. I had no idea about the magnitude of refugees and how many people were suffering. Learning about this has made me more internationally aware of something that requires justice.”
Amelia and her peers collaborated on creating the language in our fundraising campaign. After deciding how to tell the story of our education program, they tested out the campaign by starting fundraising pages of their own, raising over $800 in the first hour. Amelia shared her experience with us:
“I learned that as a group, we have the ability to do incredible things. All it took was a few hours of sustained effort to raise enough money to make meaningful change in Sudan. If we continued that effort in our day-to-day lives, after we leave Governor's School, it would have tremendous impacts on our world.”
By the end of the day, the students raised over $1,500, enough to help with teacher salaries and basic supply needs! When asked what Amelia thought people might want to know about fundraising with Operation Broken Silence, she shared:
“For anyone considering getting involved with Operation Broken Silence, I would tell them to go for it! But also make sure to understand the weight of the conflict in Sudan and keep in mind that all the work you do is benefitting real life people.”
GET INVOLVED
Operation Broken Silence is the only nonprofit in the world funding community-led education efforts in Yida. Without the Endure Primary and Renewal Secondary Schools, the entire education system here would collapse.
Young leaders just like Amelia and her peers help fund these teachers and students. You can join them by launching your own fundraising page or making a donation to their team.
Additional ways to support:
Make checks payable to Operation Broken Silence, write Education in the memo line, and mail to P.O. Box 770900 Memphis, TN, 38177-0900
Thank you, Amelia, and the rest of the Governor’s School students and staff for another wonderful year!
Your impact will echo forward into the months and years ahead.
With gratitude,
Audrey Geyer
Development Director
About Us
Operation Broken Silence is building a global movement to empower the Sudanese people through innovative programs as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
We focus on empowering Sudanese change makers and their critical work. Learn more.
Donations are tax-deductible within the guidelines of U.S. law. Give here.
