Update: Simon's dream is finally becoming reality!

Last May, Ode featured a story called "I defeat my enemy when I make him my friend" where we featured Simon Atem, who escaped a civil war in his native Sudan at the age of seven. Now 19, he has moved to Calgary with a mission to go back to Sudan one day to build a school where kids can learn the difference between right and wrong to prevent what had happened to him years ago.

His dream has finally come true! Simon Madhol Atem and several volunteers from the For Love of Children Society will be leaving for Aweng, Sudan on Friday, October 3 to begin Phase 1 of the construction of the school in his home village and to reunite with his family. Thanks to the support of the many staff and students, they have raised more than $40,000 for Simon to go back home to build his school.

"Simon has taught us all a great deal about forgiveness, patience, faithfulness, and peace," says Ralene Goldade, Vice President of Father Lacombe High School where Simon attended. "I am just so incredibly grateful for his presence in my life and overflowing with joy that this project is finally coming to fruition. I hope you will be able to extend my happiness and thanks, on behalf of Simon, to everyone in your world. Sharing this news with those who made it possible is so very important."