While the picture isn’t the best quality, anyone can see that IRIS Executive Director, Del Christensen (center), was all smiles as he received a check from Adel Rotarians Doug Smith, Treasurer (left) and Steve Conard, Rotary Foundation Committee Chair (right).
The $1100 check is going towards a scholarship that will help one South Sudan woman’s goal of receiving a degree from the University of Juba become a reality. Christensen hopes the scholarship award will become a sign of hope for its winner, as many South Sudan women were orphaned due to conflict in the country.
“With all the turmoil and conflict in South Sudan, it is more important than ever to find ways for young people, especially young women, to continue their education so they can become tomorrow’s leaders to a more peaceful country,” Christensen said.
This will be the second scholarship IRIS has been able to award to women of South Sudan. The first scholarship was awarded two years ago from the Sudan-American Foundation for Education, in memory of one of their founders, Dr. Edith Grotberg.
The scholarship amount covers tuition and fees, as well as books, dormitory lodging and meals for one academic school year. IRIS will conduct interviews and award a candidate sometime later this fall.
Rotary International has been around for more than 110 years, and is constantly looking to support local, regional, and international projects. Adel Rotary Club’s generosity and willingness to help others are what help make opportunities like this possible.