The messages from the TOM- Founder.

Rt Revd. Bishop John Duot Duong

“It is my pleasure to welcome you all to the Tom fraternity.

And my dear fellows’ men and women. I am not forgetting our lovely children.

“It is my pleasure to welcome you all to this celebration, organized by Together for Orphans Ministries Tom, believes that every child anywhere in the world is similar; the difference fraternity is the opportunities avail to him/her. As the Founder/Executive Director of Tom, I firmly believe that Education is not the eye opener, but it is the EYE through which ones can see, appreciate, and value the world. I am very passionate about holistic education specifically to Orphan’s children, and street children’s (our kids), needy and talented young people in the war-torn regions (Education in Emergencies).

I come from a country, South Sudan, where education is an option but not obligation and priority to the citizen owing to the cultures-that abdicate and disregard girls over boys- and the long conflicts; hence education in emergency areas fascinated me because I identify with it since my academic journey has been tough and rough. It takes more than patience, determination, optimism and assiduousness to be where I am today. I might have not achieved much but I am grateful when I look back at my footprints. 

I am also interested in the multi-facet or rather multi-dimensional system of education, where communal values are incorporated into the learning programs to customize education based on values of all cultures and religions. This can mitigate if not eliminate the conflict and fear of unknown that arise between the communal belief, norms, and practices. Education is stereotyped in some society as foreign influences. This can be achieved through teaching local languages up to a certain level of study alongside the main international languages. Multi-dimensional approach can also incorporate non-curricula learning’s where young people are nurtured and encourage tapping their potential in all dimensions. This can be sport talent, artistic talent among others.

“Education is the key to life” goes an adage, but life itself has other pressing aspects to sit beside education which cannot be neglected lest we penalty life, or an education remains a mirage. For instance, one cannot go to school when he/she is starving or with severe ailments, there is a need to look at other areas (non-educational) that complement education. This calls for a multi sectors alliance.

The emphasis and effort should therefore be balanced between these areas/sectors, for instance, Health and Food sectors. Moreover, areas that endanger or hamper education like conflict (wars) should be dealt with jointly and precisely. The world must rise above the challenge of increasing conflict which exposes innocent children and women, just to mention but a few vulnerable people, spent the rest of their lives in s deplorable condition instead of going to school. Education system should incorporate needs to peacefully co-exist, making leadership prerequisite programs to all learners in-order to inculcate a sense of responsibility and respect for humanity integrity, among others.

Tom will enable growing up orphans’ children with love for one another and mold them into a responsible and peace-loving, development-oriented global citizens (Education for a global citizen). The other paradigm shift that might seem to veer away from the common practice, where most learning institutions-although most learning centers are structure-less (Under trees)-are in the urban areas. It would be prudent to adopt the practice of taking schools to the learners/villages rather than taking learners to schools. This would increase the enrollment level of learners as accessibility is another factor that thwarts willing learners.

The cost of education is way out of reach for most people who are willing but do not have the means/resources. I wonder aloud if it is impossible for the Well wishes to get involving into TOM Vision, and another individual who are willing to support us. The global initiatives to offer a free education up to a certain levels (Primary School and High schools) would be feasible.

I greatly feel that collective efforts and creativity would change the face of education completely. It is therefore high time to eschew imitation and embrace innovation because Imitation is a vintage, but Innovation would bear ripen fruits.

Tom, believe that education for all would make the world a better place to be, where Orphan’s children are equipped with necessary skills that would enable them to become great and successful leaders. Tom, advocates for equitable life-long learning to the less fortunate.

I would like to take this opportunity to welcome you all and acknowledge the relentless continued support of our partners and friends. Thanks, you very much, Tom sorority is grateful for your support.”

Your Faithfully,