Thousands of School Bags Prepared for South Sudan by US Children at Faith Conference

(MILWAUKEE) – Children attending a major Christian staff conference in the United States have packed 3,000 school bags filled with essential learning supplies for students in South Sudan. The activity was part of a weeklong event held at the Baird Center in Milwaukee, where middle schoolers contributed their time and effort during the Cru25 staff gathering on the morning of 17 July 2025.

Cru, a US based Christian organisation, hosted the event as part of its ongoing humanitarian outreach through its relief arm, Unto. Dozens of young participants, some as young as 12, worked in teams to pack items such as notebooks, pencils, erasers and rulers into bags destined for children in South Sudan, where access to basic school materials remains a serious challenge.

Clint McClure, vice president of field operations at Unto, was present at the event and praised the dedication of the young volunteers.

“This is not just about bags or books. It is about giving students in South Sudan a chance to learn and dream beyond conflict and poverty,” he said.

South Sudan continues to face significant difficulties in its education sector, with many students learning in overcrowded classrooms, without basic learning materials or even a physical school building. The contribution from the Cru25 youth participants is expected to provide meaningful support for some of these children, particularly in rural and underserved regions.

During the event, some children also crafted handmade bracelets to be included in the school bags. The bracelets were meant as a personal gesture of encouragement and friendship from one child to another, connecting youth across continents through small but heartfelt tokens.

Among the volunteers was 13 year old Mia Summers, who said, “It feels good to know this will help someone who doesn’t have the things we do. We want them to feel seen and cared for.”

Other participants, like 12 year olds Silas Smith and Richard Daniel, took the opportunity to bond while packing supplies, laughing and chatting with peers, but staying focused on their task. For them, it was both fun and fulfilling.

“This is the first time I have done something like this,” said Richard. “It feels like I am helping someone in another part of the world.”

Although the items donated and packed were sourced locally in the US, the final destination is thousands of miles away. Once shipped, the school bags are expected to arrive in South Sudan by late August, in time for the start of the new school term in many regions.

Education officials and humanitarian partners in South Sudan often cite basic school supplies as one of the most urgent but overlooked needs. A recent survey found that in some communities, up to 70% of children attend school without essential materials like notebooks or pens.

For South Sudanese parents who often struggle to afford even basic supplies such donations are vital in supporting children’s continued learning.

Cru’s partnership with South Sudan began several years ago, through both religious outreach and practical humanitarian work. Their relief branch, Unto, has facilitated numerous efforts related to food, clean water and education across conflict affected and remote areas of the country.

The recent donation of school bags is part of a larger vision by Cru to engage young people in meaningful service that promotes global awareness and compassion.

While the bags may be small in size, their impact could be long lasting. For many students in South Sudan, receiving a simple backpack filled with pens, pencils, and notebooks could mean the difference between dropping out and staying in school.