Broadneck Sophomore Provides A Beacon Of Hope For South Sudan

Moved to action as she learned about the destruction and suffering caused by civil wars in South Sudan, Broadneck High School sophomore Simmone Wallace held a fundraiser at Ulmstead Barn on August 18.

The event created awareness and raised $1,000 for UNICEF-South Sudan to help the malnourished children in the war-torn area.

As shared on her “Beacon of Hope” Facebook page, Simmone recruited youth speakers to talk about South Sudan culture and history, she had music by a vocalist and cellist, and she included a candle-lighting with a moment of silence.

After the formal presentation, many participants stayed to play a popular African game called Mancala, write letters to offer hope and purchase photography of common mammals found in South Sudan. The next step for Beacon of Hope is a clothing drive this fall (the date is yet to be determined) for the South Sudan Hope Network.

“Annapolis is the home of many Sudanese refugees who have direct connections in very remote villages in South Sudan,” said Simmone’s mom, Charlotte. “They have discovered how to transport the items using small boats/rafts down the Nile River from Kenya; however, they simply need the inventory of items.”

Stay updated by liking the “Beacon of Hope” Facebook page or finding the nonprofit on Instagram @beaconofhope.unicef.