Panwakema

"Panwakema" is a Dinka (dialect of South Sudan) word. Broken down, 'pan' is a place, and 'wa', 'ke' and 'ma' mean 'father' and 'mother', respectively. We interpret it to mean more than that! 'Panwakema' describes a feeling; the feeling of coming home to a family! This is what we attempt to provide to the many children facing sever poverty in South Sudan, by building a school and orphanage that they can call home! All support is needed and gratefully received! 

Vision

Panwakema’s vision is that in 2017 Akuc Deng will return to South Sudan as a qualified teacher to run Panwakema School for orphans and girls. South Sudan became independent in July 2011. Most females in South Sudan have no education and their only hope is to marry well in order to improve their prospects. There are thousands of orphans in South Sudan who have little chance of being educated. With education, the opportunities for females and orphans should multiply exponentially so that they may also have the chance to contribute to the welfare of others.

Background

Panwakema Inc was incorporated in Australia in September 2012 and in South Sudan in January 2013. Panwakema operates from Adelaide, South Australia. Mr Wien Deng Aguek and his daughter, Ms Akuc Deg are the Chair and Deputy Chair of Panwakema Inc in Australia and there are presently six other Committee members. Akuc came to South Australia as a refugee from Sudan with her father and their family in 2004. She will complete her Bachelor of Arts and Education at UniSA in 2015. Her wish is to give back to the people of her homeland who are in need.

Panwakema’s mission is to build and run a school in Warrap State, South Sudan, where Akuc’s father’s family has vacant land suitable for a school and a clinic. Panwakema’ s three-year plan 2014 – 2017 Fundraising Panwakema commenced fundraising soon after its incorporation in 2012. It regularly holds events to raise funds to pursue its mission.Building program First a 1.6 kilometre perimeter fence needs to be constructed, next the school (9 to 12 classrooms) and later on a clinic.

Panwakema wants to establish a sustainable school with crops and a vegetable garden to help feed the students. Our building program requires significant funds. We understand that many of the materials will have to be imported. Teaching staff and Classroom equipment Obtaining qualified teachers in South Sudan is a major problem. Funds will be needed to pay teaching staff and for resources such as textbooks, black/white boards and stationery. Food and medical supplies Ongoing funds will be needed to cover food, medical supplies and utilities costs. Physical Education: Playground and sports equipment will be needed.