Issue 15 Stories
Feature

First South Sudan Symposium

A dream ten years in the making came true this February. 85 network members serving war-torn South Sudan came together to learn, share, and change lives.

Share on

After 24 hours of traveling from Arusha through Kenya and Uganda, the rough, dusty road welcomed ECHO’s East Africa team to the border of South Sudan. Outside, they saw many destroyed houses with bullet marks on the plastered walls, and fields unplowed although the land seemed to have productive potential. All five in the car were quiet. They finally entered Juba 12 hours later.

The following day, the joint symposium with partner Tearfund started well, with eighty vibrant participants. Most attendees came from South Sudan. Throughout the three symposium days, the South Sudanese actively participated in every session. They asked many questions and interacted with presenters, seeking thorough understanding and hungry for more practical knowledge.

While some participants asked if this event could be conducted in each region of the country, we were encouraged that they saw relevance in sharing among themselves as well as from those visiting their country. Ever since the team arrived back in Arusha, they have received requests from participants seeking more knowledge and planting materials.

Though these partners are key to making a life-changing impact across South Sudan, ECHO’scatalyzing work is needed now more than ever.
Feature

Moving Toward Energy Self-Sufficiency

Biogas model paves the way to energy self-sufficiency. Tubular digester trainings plant the seed for rural East African areas to be more financially successful and energy self-sufficient.

From the President/CEO

It’s an exciting time at our Centers around the world! As we launch the new Five-year Strategic Framework each Impact Center will live into the context and needs of their region.

A Different Kind of ‘Fun in the Sun’

For the past 30 years, John Hanson has brought groups of Indiana students to ECHO’s Florida campus to volunteer mid-summer.
Feature

Cultivating an Abundance

From the Global Farm to the fields of Immokalee, ECHO’s partnership with local organization “Cultivate Abundance” has produced an overflow of fresh fruits and vegetables to feed those in need and fulfill those who serve them.

When the Buffalo Come, You Adapt

A farm in Southeast Asia lost its source of clean water and was able to implement ECHO’s four-barrel water filtration system made by hand.

Symposium Shared Lessons, Technologies, and Experience

At ECHO East Africa’s recent symposium on appropriate technologies and renewable energy, presentations by innovators proposed solutions to several regional challenges.

Field Experience: Blessings and Lessons Learned

When their time in Fort Myers, Florida came to an end, John Yann and Chrissy Mahoney brought their newly acquired knowledge and techniques to Chiang Mai, Thailand where they immersed themselves in a rich culture of people and agriculture for six months.
Feature

First South Sudan Symposium

A dream ten years in the making came true this February. 85 network members serving war-torn South Sudan came together to learn, share, and change lives.