In a year marked by both profound loss and significant growth, ROSS Leaders reflects on the systemic challenges facing South Sudanese youth and celebrates the milestones that continue to fuel our mission for a more just future.
Dear Trusted Friends, Donors, and Supporters,
Happy Holidays to you and your loved ones.
As I reflect on the past year, I am struck by how 2024 has been a season of profound contrast—defined by both heavy challenges and rewarding growth. Throughout it all, these experiences have sharpened our focus and strengthened the future of our organization. We have endured heartbreak and found inspiration, but above all, we have remained unwavering in our mission.
For the second consecutive year, our community has been forced to mourn. The tragic loss of our student, Keah Paljor, who was shot in Omaha, Nebraska, is a devastating reminder of the reality we face. Since our inception, we have grieved too many young lives—a reality our elders never imagined when they sought a future here in the United States. This year has underscored a harsh truth: the students we serve are fighting to succeed within systems often designed for their failure. The toll on their mental, emotional, and physical well-being is a battle we are navigating in real time.
And yet, amid the struggle, we continue to rise.
This year, we set ambitious goals that pushed ROSS Leaders to new heights. We have much to celebrate:
Academic Success: We’ve seen more students begin their college journeys while others continue to thrive in higher education.
Cultural Unity: Through college tours and cultural events, we are unifying our community and dismantling generational tribalism.
Economic Empowerment: We have created meaningful job opportunities within our community, building career pathways that will allow our alumni to one day return and lead the next generation.
As we look toward the new year, ROSS Leaders begins a fresh chapter under the leadership of our Interim Executive Director, Flora Mondi. Our focus remains on building a strategic, sustainable organization that equips students with the resources, knowledge, and insights necessary to overcome the barriers in their path.
On a personal note, I am preparing to enter my final semester at Columbia University as part of the Obama Scholars Program. Being surrounded by global nonprofit leaders has pushed me to think more deeply about systemic issues. Representing our community on this stage has sparked new ideas that I am eager to put into action this coming year.
None of this progress would be possible without you. In a world that often settles for surface-level fixes, your generosity allows us to dig deeper and build lasting relationships. Your investment in our students is an investment in a future that will pay dividends for generations to come.
As we close this year, I hope you will continue to stand with us. Together, let’s keep building a better, more just world.
With gratitude,
Jacob Idra ROSS Leaders
