Local youth learned new skills in carpentry and block making when they helped construct the desks.

The Secondary School of the Sudan Interior Church (formerly Southern Blue Nile Academy) is preparing to open its doors to students in September.

Physical Preparations

Renovations are nearly complete on some of the buildings of the SIM Yabus station, first established in 1953. The first two classroom buildings, which will house three 9th grade classrooms and an office, are finished. A third building has been renovated to house the administration, library, and computer lab. As more students and grades are added each year, simple classroom space will be constructed in a Sudanese style.

This is the only secondary school in the area of three states which offers boarding. For the first few years, the dormitories will be typical Sudanese structures with grass roofs until more permanent ones can be built.

Teachers

The teaching staff will be made up of three missionary teachers, including one from India, and three Sudanese teachers. Teacher training will begin on September 1, as the Sudanese teachers are deeply committed to rebuilding their nation, but do not have teaching experience.

Students will begin classes on September 22. The first term will focus on intensive English classes, Bible, and agriculture. The school land is fertile, and agriculture training will be practical, providing fresh, nutritious food for the students. The students will begin the Grade 9 curriculum in January.

Partnership with the Local Church

	The secondary school will give Sudanese children like these hope for a better education

The local churches in the Yabus area are excited to have the opportunity for better education for their children and themselves. Church elders have expressed great interest in joining classes at the school around their work schedules. The Sudan Interior Church, SIM's partner in Sudan, will gradually be taking over the school over the next several years.

Working in Yabus is just one part of the Rebuilding Southern Sudan Church and Nation initiave that SIM has undertaken. SIM missionary Phalice VanderPol, director of the school, says "Filling gaps where there have been painful holes in families, political and religious strife, and gaping holes in the infrastructure are all a part of sharing the healing love of God in Sudan."

Watch a video about the Secondary School of the Sudan Interior Church