Two "Lost Boys of Sudan" Find Academic Success

Peter Dut Angon (left) and his friend Daniel Duot, two of the "lost boys of Sudan," recently received their GED diplomas through the Adult Basic Education Program at Rio Salado College.

Among the nearly 450 participants in Rio Salado College's May 2 GED graduation were Peter Dut Angon and Daniel Duot, two of the famous "lost boys of Sudan."

They are among the nearly 4,000 former child residents of African refugee camps who are now living in the U.S. after being separated from their parents or orphaned when they were forced to flee the civil war in southern Sudan. Newspapers around the country have dubbed them the "lost boys" because they have lost their families, homes, possessions, and culture through nearly 20 years of civil war. Most are between the ages of 18 and 25, although their exact ages aren't known. Last year the United States began accepting batches of "lost boys" for resettlement.

Peter and Daniel prepared for their GED (general educational development/high school equivalency) exams through the Adult Basic Education (ABE) Program at Rio Salado College. Their instructor was Larry Williamson. Peter's future plans include studying chemistry at Grand Canyon College. Daniel will attend Phoenix College.

Rio's Adult Basic Education (ABE) classes are offered free of charge throughout Maricopa County. Classes have flexible enrollment. Books and materials are supplied free of charge for use in the classroom. In addition to GED preparation, the program offers classes in basic reading, writing and math skills; English for Speakers of Other Languages, and citizenship classes. A transition program helps students make a convenient and smooth adjustment into college courses. More information is available by calling Rio Salado College at (480) 517-8030.

Rio Salado, which maintains administrative headquarters in Tempe, is one of the 10 Maricopa Community Colleges. The college serves nearly 50,000 credit and non-credit students annually, using a combination of customized programs and partnerships, accelerated and distance learning formats, and Adult Basic Education classes. Dr. Linda Thor is president.

Julia Sager - A Distance Learning Success

Rio graduate Julia Sager

Julia Sager's new Associate of Applied Science degree in Computer Usage and Technology from Rio Salado College complements her job as a lab assistant at a local community college. Her path to a college degree is somewhat unusual, as she earned half of her credits while incarcerated at the former Arizona Center for Women, where Rio Salado offered a variety of classes prior to its closure last year.

Upon her release, Julia completed her Rio Salado degree through distance learning classes taken over the Internet. Next semester Julia will attend Arizona State University and pursue a Bachelor's degree in computer systems administration.

"My life has been a series of nonstop positive steps from the very first class that I took. I do not worry about my future so much any more. I see a very bright future for myself, one full of potential," she says.