Sam “Kangaroo”
Age: 23
Region: Upper Nile (Bor)
I am Dinka from Bor. I was about six years old when I left Sudan with my uncle. I left my sister and
younger brother behind when we fled. My uncle walked with me to Ethiopia and I stayed in Panyido
from 1987 to 1991.
When was broke out in Ethiopia, my uncle returned to Bor and I went to Pochalla. To get to Pochalla, we
had to cross the river Gilo and many people died crossing it. I am a good swimmer, so I was able to
cross. I stayed in Pochala for six months. The Arabs attacked Pochala at night and then we left to go to
Lockichokio. We spent three weeks in Lockichokio and then the U.N. decided to take us by bus to
Kakuma.
In Kakuma, could get food once or twice a day. I lived in Zone Three in the camp. The U.N. organized a
good education program in Kakuma. We had primary and secondary school. I studies general subjects,
like English, Swahili, art, math, science, and home economics. I also participated in drama programs and
debate competitions. I stayed in Kakuma from 1992 until 2000.
I was excited, but not scared, to come to the United States. I knew I could make my life better. In the
United States, I could work hard and get a good education. If you work, you can get anything you want.
Life here is okay.
I study business management at Phoenix College so that I can become a businessman. I’d like to learn
grapgic design. I’m also interested in sports and computers. I would like to travel to many different
places around the U.S. Like Tennessee, San Diego, and Minnesota. I want to be successful businessman
and have a nice family with many children.