By 
Majur Deng Nhial
Keeping our community as organization is of great importance for reasons including but not limited to creating developmental projects, facilitating social cohesion, fostering a sense of belonging, and preserving our collective memories akin to our customs and traditions. It was the gladsome moment for some of our community members to reunite in Des Moines, Howa after 15 years since the last time in Kakuma, Kenya. Getting involved was in itself a form of leadership and Alier Nyang Deng became the premier of the event after stealing the show through, telling short comic stories that were thought to reflect on realities in our community. But telling those stories was not enough for him although there were laughers heard louder in the session. Surprisingly, he deeply amazed the community as he proclaimed to kill a white cow bull; the fattened white bull (Thon-Makur) was an equivalence of $2, 200 cash in value to the alleged killed white bull.
Manliness in our tradition involves killing a female or male cow to mark a solemn rite (a.k.a) rite of a passage. In this particularly incident, the white bull (Thon-Makur) was not offered as physical meal to the community, but in money form to leverage the community financial contributions. It is not a neither religious nor superstitious practice back home, but pride of one’s own cultural materials. Alier Agut-Thon decided to grasp that opportunity to offer his goodwill to the community he dearly loves while encouraging and motivating others to collaborate and comply with in fundraising to the community financial growth. Thanks to Ajak Akai and Manyok Lual Koch for they had taken the initiative in support of fundraising to the community. In suchlike, their endeavors should not go unnoticed. What they offered could make a difference in the community.
Openhandedness is paradoxical and those who give receive back in turn. Community service is an art of giving back and it has been a privilege to eulogize their generosity and contributions to the community in need. If such pride continues to grow among our people in the community, no wonder, this is a work one could extol further to all! That was some great job done!
More importantly, Professor Mayom Kwoirot who teaches at Dr. John Garang Memorial University of Science & Technology implored the incoming President Akol Aguek over computers. According to the Professor, the university used to have the computer laboratory for the enrolled students at Dr. John Garang Memorial University. Unfortunately, that computer lab was ransacked and vandalized after Nuer rebels ruined Bor, the capital of Jonglei State in 2013-2014. His intent was to beg earnestly for 30 computers to help the students and faculty of the university doing their assigned works. That responsibility still rests on the shoulder of the community’s President Akol Aguek; however, one may suggest that if 60 people inclusively from the three sisterly counties in diaspora sign up to purchase 30 computers, then there will be 2 people per 1 computer, if 120 people sign up, then there will be 4 people per 1 computer, if 180 people sign up, then there will be 6 people per 1 computer and so on. The university has impacted not only our three counties, but the whole state and nationwide. Its graduates are well-nurtured and talented.
*The author of the above item of information holds BS in biology at West Texas A&M University; MS in Clinical Practice Management at Texas Tech University Health Science Center