Right now, supermodel and refugee advocate Alek Wek is making her first journey to her homeland, South Sudan, since the country gained independence last year.
As a teenager, Alek and her family fled the country when civil war erupted. "I left my hometown on foot to find safety -- fleeing chaos and destruction. I didn't know where I was going. The road was jam packed with families, all soon to be refugees, headed into the bush," Alek says.
Partnering with UNHCR, Alek is visiting home to bring messages of peace, hope and inspiration for a young nation facing monumental challenges in its early years.
She is deeply aware that people have returned to communities that have long endured hardship; communities that barely have the facilities or means to provide for even the most basic needs.
"I've just been back to Wau this week and was thrilled to see UNHCR supporting education, job training, helping women get on their feet, building homes! Like the rest of South Sudan, I have a strong hope for the future," she notes.
Alek also aims to draw attention to the need for international support for the massive humanitarian emergency that continues to unfold in remote regions in the north and north-west of the country. Despite facing enormous responsibilities related to critical needs of its own people, South Sudan has generously opened its borders to 170,000 Sudanese refugees during its first year of independence.
"I am desperately worried about the many children and families who are at risk of having to leave their homes to find safety.We need peace, hope and the international community's assistance to mobilize support for the future of South Sudan,"
As a teenager, Alek and her family fled the country when civil war erupted. "I left my hometown on foot to find safety -- fleeing chaos and destruction. I didn't know where I was going. The road was jam packed with families, all soon to be refugees, headed into the bush," Alek says.
Partnering with UNHCR, Alek is visiting home to bring messages of peace, hope and inspiration for a young nation facing monumental challenges in its early years.
She is deeply aware that people have returned to communities that have long endured hardship; communities that barely have the facilities or means to provide for even the most basic needs.
"I've just been back to Wau this week and was thrilled to see UNHCR supporting education, job training, helping women get on their feet, building homes! Like the rest of South Sudan, I have a strong hope for the future," she notes.
Alek also aims to draw attention to the need for international support for the massive humanitarian emergency that continues to unfold in remote regions in the north and north-west of the country. Despite facing enormous responsibilities related to critical needs of its own people, South Sudan has generously opened its borders to 170,000 Sudanese refugees during its first year of independence.
"I am desperately worried about the many children and families who are at risk of having to leave their homes to find safety.We need peace, hope and the international community's assistance to mobilize support for the future of South Sudan,"
Source : USA for UNHCR
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