“I have always believed that the definition of a successful life must include serving others. By that measure, Manute Bol’s was extraordinarily successful. Manute was a great athlete and humanitarian: a man of generosity and of grace. I want to thank [Sudan Sunrise] for continuing his noble cause–building 41 schools for children in Manute’s war-torn Sudan. Good luck–and Godspeed.”
– President George H.W. Bush
“Manute Bol accomplished so much in his incredible life. But he left a huge unfinished task with his dream of building schools throughout South Sudan that would welcome children irrespective of tribe or religion. I have personally been involved in helping Sudan Sunrise realize Manute’s bold dream, and I invite you to join the growing circle of those who are helping to make his dream a reality.”
– George Stephanopoulos
Chief Political Correspondent
ABC News
“[Manute] Bol will never be able to cut the ribbon at the schools he dream of. But we can pick up where he left off. IN a world with so much athletic narcissism, let’s celebrate a Most Valuable Humanitarian by building schools through his charity, Sudan Sunrise.”
– Nicholas D. Kristof
NY Times
“Manute knew exactly what he had to do, which was to make it possible for the people of South Sudan what he had achieved in the United States, that being education and freedom. And, toward that end, he devoted all of his wealth, time, and enormous good will to leave a legacy for the children of South Sudan.
“When I was with Manute to launch the Manute Bol school in his home village of Turalei, of which he was so proud, we talked about life in Sudan. Manute had one thought that has stayed with me. He said, ‘Bud, God doesn’t intend for us to fight.'”
– Robert C. McFarlane
Former National Secretary Advisor
“I believe Sudan Sunrise’s institutional heart is in the right place. By promoting reconciliation and bridge-building between Darfuris and South Sudanese, this small group is preparing the way for marginalized people throughout Sudan to realize their shared aspirations for social justice, security and dignity.”
– David Morse
Journalist
“For several years, I have been filming a feature documentary on Sudan Sunrise’s Tom Prichard and Manute Bol on their dedication to reconciliation and building schools for all marginalized people. They worked hard together and vowed to do no harm. Tom continues to work with South Sudanese to fulfill Manute’s dream. Nothing in my life has inspired me more. When you consider that less than 20% of South Sudan is literate, you can begin to understand the great impact on communities that Sudan Sunrise is having now and will have in the future.”
– Matthew Kohn
Film Director
“Supporting Sudan Sunrise represents a golden opportunity for Americans of all faiths to “walk their talk” and to help a movement in Africa that could inspire a new way of overcoming animosities among nations and groups of people around the globe.”
– George Gallup, Jr.
Founding Chairman, The George H. Gallup International Institute
“I want Darfurians to help build the Sudan Sunrise school, so that the people of Francis’ village will know we are their brothers and sisters. We would like to help rebuild this school as a sign of reconciliation between the people of Darfur and the South.”
– Dr. Abdel Gabar Adam
Founder, Darfur Human Rights Organization of the USA