south sudan

Karak Miakol was not allowed to attend school because of the cultural expectations of women in Sudan and within her family. However, she would often meet to play with her friend Habab who would read stories to her under a large tree in her Sudanese village. Habab even taught Miakol the alphabet. Though Habab taught her a lot, Miakol wanted to attend school just like her friend.

Peace activist and asylee Karak Mayik Denyok Miakol accepted a bonsai tree Wednesday, Sept. 11, from the BYU Center for Conflict Resolution in recognition of her outreach in humanitarian aid. As the founder and president of the Diar for Rehabilitation and Development Association, she works in nonprofit to educate and support children and women in Sudan, South Sudan and Uganda.

From left, speakers Yaw Doh, Adheiu Arok, Amy Wylie, Spencer Call and Monica Call take the stage at the BYU Refugee Empowerment Club's Nov. 16 fundraising event. The club helps BYU students learn more about and serve refugees. (Katelyn Stiles)

From fleeing civil war in Sudan to becoming the leader of an Episcopal congregation in Salt Lake City, the Rev. Gabriel Garang Atem said he has seen God's hand in his life.