WONDERFUL QOUTES ON SUDAN

"..What unites us a humans is far greater than what might divide us by distance,race and religion...we hope to expend cultural, academic and professional exchange programs between our two countries and our citizens can work more closely together.My wife Catherine and I ca'nt wait to explore your beautiful country and learn more about you culture, music, sports, food, art and traditions.IN OUR EXPERIENCE THE SUDANESE ARE AMONG THE WARMEST IN THE WORLD AND WE LOOK FORWARD TO MAKING MANY NEW FRIENDS...MA-SALAMA, SHUKRAN AND SEE YOU SOON..." Jerry Lanier U.S. Chief of Mission to Sudan https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-WBw2JyeVPQ&feature=youtu.be

In 2013 CNN Travel ranked Khartoum as the second best urban center in Africa!!!

“If you take time to explore the ancient river bank communities where Blue and White Niles meet, you’ll soon come to the conclusion that this is ONE OF THE WORLD’S SAFEST AND MOST HOSPITABLES CITIES.” Mark Eveleigh “Best of urban Africa: 10 cities worth going to.” CNN Travel. 27 Jan 2013

“The people of Khartoum are KNOWN FOR THEIR KINDNESS AND GENEROSITY.” Mark Fisher “Photostream” Photograph Flikr June 6, 2013

“Khartoum is one of the fastest growing cities in the world..... “Sudan Telecommunication services is the oldest in Africa built in 1877.” Post by Dinder. “City Gallery.” Skyscrapecity forums. vBulletin, 28 Apr 2011

“Sudan Telecommunication is considered the most sophisticated in both Africa and the Middle East” Post by Kitayabi. “City Gallery.” Skyscrapecity forums. vBulletin, 7 May 2011

“. "...the company is the largest diversified and expanded sugar company in the world…”

(the Kenana Sugar Co.) Post by Soulsoul Skyscrapecity forums. 11 June 2009

I cannot imagine a better place to raise young children. My son has been in Khartoum since he was 3 months old. He is now 7. He has grown up in an incredibly safe environment in a country where people love children. In his spare time he enjoys a range of KICS extra-curricular activities, tennis and horse riding lessons, swimming and play-dates. There are very few commercial activities for children to do in Khartoum so the emphasis is very much on expatriate and local families getting together and kids playing. People say that Sudan is about people rather than things – I genuinely believe this. Natasha Winnard, UK, Khartoum International Community School Guidance Counsellor

We have two children of 6 and 7 years old when we arrived. They feel safe and have enjoyed their lives here. They have a close group of friends, enjoy several of the KICS activities, such as golf and instrumental music lessons; and also use the school swimming pool regularly. In terms of health services, they have hardly needed them. The nurse at school is supportive, and the pharmacies have most of what is needed for a family in terms of treatment and cure. The hospitals (we have used two) are simple to deal with, the staff are friendly, and the feedback was in English by medical staff qualified internationally. I had an MRI done, it was similar to another experience that I had in a private New York clinic - clean, safe, no issue. Andrew Nicholson, Khartoum International Community School Sr. Curriculum Coordinator

During the cooler months (late November – early March) there are great camping opportunities for overnight trips. We have also enjoyed fishing and kayaking on the White Nile. Natasha Winnard, UK, KICS Guidance Counsellor

We have lived in Khartoum for 8 years and have never been bored during term time – for people who love sport the opportunities include a range of locally run fitness classes, the KICS gym,swimming pool, Tennis Academy and Riding School. The KICS Social Committee is also very active organizing a range of events. Unlike other overseas postings I have experienced it is very easy to make strong friendships with local Sudanese people, who kindly invite you to their homes and to join family celebrations. We are also eagerly awaiting the opening of the KICS Water Sport Centre at the KICS Riding School. This will provide a great opportunity to enjoy an afternoon of water sports on the Nile, beach games and BBQs. Natasha Winnard, UK, Khartoum International Community School Guidance Counsellor

I’ve enjoyed the challenges of settling into a very different living environment. My apartment is right in the middle of a typical Sudanese neighborhood, and we are fortunate to have a number of small shops within walking distance of our apartments. There are bigger stores available a short drive away too. There are many opportunities to do interesting things during your free time, but it does require some research and asking around until you find what you are interested in doing! During the recent break, I had the opportunity to travel to Port Sudan and do some amazing snorkeling, as well as check out the pyramids at Meroe" Lucy Hall-Patch, Canada, Khartoum International Community School Y2 PYP Teacher

We feel safe, which is often the first question. We live in a family house in Araak City. It is furnished, and has enough rooms for our children to have their own individual bedroom each… has made life generally pleasant. The weather is warm to stiflingly hot, but we don't mind that range. We regularly use restaurants for shwarmas, pizzas, and other Middle Eastern food. There is also Indian, Mexican, and probably other cuisine that we have not found yet. So far we have seen prices rise for eating out, but the KICS local allowance also increased…. Andrew Nicholson, Khartoum International Community School Sr. Curriculum Coordinator

Fenti Golf is a great escape to wile away the hours in green and pleasant surroundings. There are many competitions and award givings with fantastic food! There are also other places where people gather to meet outside of the work environment such as the Greek Club. There are running clubs. InterNations, a like-minded group of expats, is also active and hold various events. Christopher Wretham, Khartoum International Community School Primary Music Teacher

"This really does depend on the individual, but I have found the Sudanese people to be very welcoming and accepting. You do need to make an effort to create a social network of friends, both Sudanese and expatriate, but it does pay off. I spend a lot of evening and weekends invited to friends’ houses for dinners and gatherings. It is a great way of meeting people."

Maria Gabriel, Egypt, Khartoum International Community School Head of Primary

"My Sudani friends here in Oakland have greatly influenced my decision in visiting Sudan (6 months). When I was in Sudan a good friend of mines came back to Sudan (from Oakland) and once we came together he took us to his village in which became a very memorable event meeting his family and friends there.Also here in Oakland another good Sudanese friend of mines allowed me the chance to meet his father in law who was on a diplomatic mission here in the U.S. We both talked of Malcolm X, Sheik Ahmad Hassoun and Osman Ali and what they attempted to do and how that same example is desperately needed between our people once again!" On and individual basis I have met wonderful people from all walks of life, ethnicities, backgrounds etc., but from a comunal standpoint where I lived in Omdurman (Wahad Hatana District) TO RECIVE THE TYPE OF LOVE THAT I DID FROM THOSE MAJESTIC AND GRACIOUS PEOPLE OF SUDAN (both Muslim and non-Muslim!) IN MY LIFE HAS NO PRECEDENT AND HAS NOT BEEN MATCHED EVERSIVCE!" Member Islam J.A Karim

AL HAJJ MALIK EL SHABAZZ (Malcolm X) is the most notable of Diasporic Muslim Black leaders who FULLY CONNECTED WITH THE SUDANESE whose influence and wisdom is more relevant today than it was when he was alive.Sheik Hassoun was to be the Imam of Muslim Mosque Inc. teaching traditional Islam to the people of that locality. Ahmed S. Osman was a great aid to Shabazz in his transition to traditional Islam. Malik Shabazz had a deep affinity in his heart for the Sudanese which le Malcolm X to say: “ I WAS IMPRESSED THE MOST BY THE MUSLIMS OF THE SUDAN. THEIR RELIGIOUS PIETY AND HOSPITALITY ARE UMATCHED ANYWHERE. I REALLY FELT A HEAVEN AD HOME THERE.”

"The United States said Tuesday that it was easing long-standing sanctions against Sudan to allow Americans to send an array of communications hardware and software, including smartphones and laptop computers. The U.S. Treasury Department said the change took effect immediately and also allowed for supplies of radios and digital cameras." http://www.voanews.com/content/united-states-eases-sudan-sanctions-communications-gear/2648328.htmlFebruary 17, 2015 9:33 PM

"The Treasury Department eased sanctions on Iran and Sudan to make it easier for U.S. companies to export food to the countries — as long as it’s healthful..." http://blogs.wsj.com/corruption-currents/2011/10/11/us-eases-sanctions-on-food-exports-to-iran-sudan/

U.S Deputy Chief of Mission Promotes Education in Sinnar

"..Education is an important bridge between the United States and Sudan. The United States is committed to the people of Sudan and hopes to strengthen and multiply educational linkages; promote more direct people-to-people connections between our citizens;...U.S. Embassy Khartoum's Deputy Chief of Mission Benjamin Moeling visited Sinnar State October 12-13. During his trip, U.S. Embassy Khartoum donated a library to Al-Humaira Basic School for Girls in Wad Alnayal. In demonstration of our commitment to education, the library will be shared by other primary schools in the surrounding community. DCM Moeling also donated books to the University of Sinnar and discussed strengthening educational partnerships with." http://sudan.usembassy.gov/education-in-sinnar.html

"... an important policy shift, which the Enough Project has been urging for over a year, came into effect. These adjustments to the U.S. government’s decades-old embargo on Sudan should make it easier for people in that country to get access to U.S made personal telecommunications devices like smartphones, encryption tools, and crowd sourcing software. This is a big deal for Sudanese journalists, activists and human rights defenders who face severe restrictions on their ability to communicate safely and securely. Here’s what you need to know:" http://thinkprogress.org/world/2015/02/20/3625464/7-things-need-know-changes-us-sanctions-sudan/

"There are signs of tension easing between the U.S. government and Sudan, in the wake of the two-day visit by U.S. Special Envoy to Sudan and South Sudan Donald Booth that ended on Friday.

Booth’s visit included an announcement of the lifting of American sanctions, which have been in place since 1997, on a few key agricultural products, including sesame and gum guar. Earlier this year, sanctions were lifted to provide Internet access to some Google apps...Gum Arabic is an emulsifier and a stabiliser made from the branches of the Senegalese acacia tree. Sudanese gum Arabic was the only exemption from sanctions. Sanctions on gum Arabic would have left the U.S. food industry without access to a key ingredient..." http://muslimnews.co.uk/news/americas/sudan-signs-of-tension-easing-between-sudan-us

"The top US diplomat in Sudan revealed today that Washington will soon make changes to its sanctions regulations that will allow educational institutions in both countries to deal directly with one another." http://www.sudantribune.com/spip.php?article45407

"...Sudan’s middle class has seen a "notable, and consistent" rise over the past decade and comprises more than 820,000 households, or 14 percent of the country’s total, according to a July 2014 report by Johannesburg, South Africa-based Standard Bank Group. By 2030, that’s expected to more than double to 1.9 million households, or about a quarter of the population.

A 2012 report by the McKinsey Global Institute ranked Khartoum fifth in its worldwide list of cities expected to see the highest growth in young entry-level consumers between 2010 and 2025....Mimicking international companies can attract Sudanese who’ve traveled or lived outside the country as well as “global teens” who’ve seen them in U.S. television shows or movies, according to Ilham Mansour, an assistant professor of marketing at theUniversity of Khartoum’s School of Management Studies.Lookalike restaurants "may prove that Sudan’s economy can accommodateinvestment opportunities much like other countries and has the capacity to adapt to international investment trends," she said in an e-mailed response to questions.“Both brands are doing very well,” Kevin Hedderwick, chief executive officer of Famous Brands, said of the Steers and Debonairs franchises, without elaborating. The company has been trading in Sudan since 2003, he said in an e-mailed response to questions.Kafory looks like a U.S. chain “and the chicken is tasty,” said Moustafa, the engineer who’s tried the more famous KFC in six countries, as he joined the four-person queue at the cashier. “But it really needs the Americans’ secret recipe and better coleslaw.”...The U.S. Treasury and Commerce Department announced in February that they were changing federal regulations to let U.S. citizens and companies export to Sudan hardware such as smartphones, satellite phones, computers and supporting softwarewithout needing individual export licenses. "http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2015-09-09/kfc-starbucks-lookalikes-thrive-in-u-s-sanctions-hit-sudan

By no means is this organization blind to the internal conflics of Sudan and other remaing sanctions. But looking at Sudan and the qoutes from expats there of European and American/European descent these individuals are doing quite well with not only working in Sudan but raising their children there as well! They surely are not being persecuted due to their race or religious affinity BUT HIGHLY RESPECTED AND HONORED for sharing their western trained expertise in the Sudanese educational system. Our organizations goal is simply to add to this on-going and growing exchange between the two countries.

The refugee kitchen offering Syrian women sanctuary in Sudan

The Hawa kitchen in Khartoum provides livelihoods for families who have found safety in an unlikely place

"...Umm Mohammed is one of a growing number of Syrians who have found shelter here after escaping theraging civil war at home.

While the majority fleeing Syria still aim for Europe, the UN says that a shared language and similarities in culture has made the east African country an increasingly popular alternative.

Among simmering pots and sizzling grills in Khartoum, Mohammed now cooks Middle Eastern dishes in the Hawa (Eve) kitchen with 24 others as part of a project to support those who have fled the Syrian war.

In the quiet courtyard where she works preparing traditional Syrian stuffed vine leaves, chicken with flavoured rice and desserts of syrupy sweets, Mohammed said she had found safety. “People here are very good,” she said.

Mohammed had planned to join hundreds of thousands of refugees in Jordan, but when one of her sons – who had travelled to Sudan for work – told her Syrians didn’t need visas to enter, she changed her plans.

Where once the Hawa kitchen’s meals were sold to homesick Syrians, Mohammed said that now many Sudanese have found a taste for her food too.

...The kitchen was launched a year ago by the Committee to Support Syrian Families, one of several groups run by Khartoum’s Syrian diaspora to help the 40,000-45,000 people the government estimates have arrived since the conflict broke out in 2011.

Its head, Mazin Samih, a businessman in his 40s, arrived from Damascus in 2002 to run a food produce company...

Established in 2012, his committee registers families and provides them with extra financial or food support on the provision that they seek work.

Many of those who have come to Sudan did so because they knew members of the diaspora, but this number has increased drastically with the deteriorating situation in Syria. “The work started with 20 Syrian families in 2012 and the number of Syrians settled in Sudan has increased so that today we have more than 500,” he said.

Those fleeing war have opted for Sudan instead of Europe because of language and culture, said Angela Li Rosi, a UN worker in Sudan. “Their preference is to be in a country where there are similarities and the language they speak is the same,” she said.

Though Omar al-Bashir’s government doesn’t consider Syrians refugees, they are allowed access to state healthcare and education.

...She was glad to escape the tense atmosphere and worsening financial situation in Damascus but was worried about Sudan after seeing news reports about the country. “They give you the image of Sudan as a country in conflict,” she said.

She added that it took her some time to settle in, but found the Sudanese kind and helpful... Mohammed is grateful for the work and happy to have found safety..."

http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/dec/02/refugee-kitchen-syrian-women-sanctuary-sudan