Spotlight on ONMI's Educational Progress: The Bethlehem Nursery and Primary Academy Initiative. Mission accomplished, next chapter.
- Aug 5
- 7 min read
Dear friend and supporter of ONMI,
Greetings in the name above all names, Yeshua the Messiah. I trust this mission report finds you well in the Lord.
Last week, I had the opportunity to write a comprehensive report for ONMI' s agricultural department, specifically highlighting the significant strides made by the organic agriculture and agroforestry initiatives that ONMI's agriculture department has been diligently implementing. These efforts are crucial in addressing food security challenges in South Sudan, with a particular focus on eradicating hunger and malnutrition among both children and adults. The importance of sustainable agricultural practices cannot be overstated, as they serve as a foundation for improving the overall health and well-being of communities across the region.
Spotlight on ONMI's Educational Progress: The Bethlehem Nursery and Primary Academy Initiative
Today, I am excited to shift the focus of this mission report to the remarkable progress made by ONMI's education department. This update will provide you with detailed insights into the ongoing project of the Bethlehem Nursery and Primary Academy (BNPA), located in the serene community of Borongole in Magwi County, Eastern Equatoria State. Established in 2021, BNPA was initiated in the rural and picturesque Kerepi Subcounty, which is situated approximately 90 miles south of South Sudan’s capital city, Juba, and about 34 miles north of Nimule town, near the border with Uganda. The geographical context of BNPA plays a significant role in its mission to provide quality education to children in this region.
BNPA officially opened its doors in March 2021, welcoming a modest total of just 7 students. The primary goal of establishing this much-needed educational institution, managed by ONMI, was to create a nurturing environment for South Sudanese children, particularly those whose parents are either residing within South Sudan or are still living in refugee camps in neighboring countries. Fast forward to today, and BNPA has experienced remarkable growth, now boasting an impressive enrollment of 350 students across various grades, including K1 to K3 and P1 to P8. This transformation reflects the community's commitment to education and the vital role that BNPA plays in fostering learning opportunities for the youth of South Sudan.
As a private Faith-Based Christian school, BNPA is dedicated to providing the best possible education for the children of South Sudan. One notable aspect of this institution is the shared responsibility among parents, who actively contribute to the school’s funding by paying school fees. This collaborative effort not only supports the teachers' salaries but also helps maintain the school's operational functions. The funds raised from supporters in the USA are intended to serve as seed money, establishing a solid foundation for managing a long-term sustainable initiative that BNPA aims to exemplify in order to thrive and deliver quality education to the children of South Sudan. So far, BNPA has successfully managed to pay its teachers and run its administration efficiently, showcasing its potential for sustainability. If all the major projects we have initiated and continue to implement are funded and completed, BNPA is poised to become the best Christian school in South Sudan, one that can sustain itself without any doubt.
Over the past three years, BNPA has proudly graduated students who have completed primary 8 and participated in the South Sudan Primary Leaving Examination (PLE) for secondary school. The results have been commendable, with all students who sat for the PLE passing their examinations and moving on to secondary school, a testament to the quality of education provided at BNPA and the dedication of the teaching staff.
In the 2021-2022 academic year, with the generous support of our benefactors, BNPA constructed its first two-story building, which comprises 12 rooms—six on the ground floor and six on the second floor. This building houses essential facilities including the administration block, classrooms, a conference hall, and a library, all of which are crucial for enhancing the learning experience for students.
As a boarding school, BNPA accommodates approximately 95% of its pupils and students on-site. However, a significant challenge has emerged in the form of housing shortages. Many homes in the community were destroyed during the national crisis in South Sudan back in 2016, leading to an influx of children from distant locations such as Juba and Nimule. To address this urgent need, the BNPA administration has temporarily converted the church building, hospital, and mission house into dormitories to provide shelter for these children. This situation has posed considerable challenges between 2021 and 2025, as housing students in these makeshift facilities has proven to be unsanitary and difficult from a hygiene perspective.
Recognizing the pressing need for adequate housing, we committed ourselves to prayer and, by the grace of God, last year we received a generous grant of $300,000 from benefactors who believe in the vision of ONMI. The primary objective of this funding is to construct four dormitories to accommodate the 300 students—two dormitories for boys and two for girls. This development is essential to ensure a safe and comfortable living environment for all students.
In December 2025, we proudly broke ground for the construction of these four buildings, and the work commenced promptly. After seven months of diligent effort, by May 2026, we successfully moved the boys into their new dormitories, which are equipped with essential amenities such as electricity, running water, and flush bathrooms. By July, we completed the construction of the two remaining dormitories for the girls, also furnished with electricity, running water, and flush bathrooms. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all who contributed to funding this vital milestone, which is instrumental in ensuring that South Sudanese children are educated in a clean and sanitary environment. Attached are the pictures of the completed dormitories, showcasing the progress we have made.
BNPA has made remarkable progress in building dormitories, classrooms, bathrooms, and installing electricity on its 10.5-acre campus. Despite these achievements, the school still faces critical challenges that affect the daily lives and safety of its students and staff. The absence of a proper dining hall, damaged fencing, incomplete secondary school construction, and lack of transportation are pressing issues that require immediate action. Addressing these needs will create a safer, healthier, and more supportive environment for learning and growth.
Addressing the Urgent Needs of BNPA: From Dining Halls to Secure Fencing, completing the secondary school building and School Transportation
Creating a Safe and Hygienic Dining Space - $30,000
Currently, BNPA students and staff do not have a designated dining hall. Children often carry their meals back to dormitories or eat outside under trees or on the ground. This situation is far from ideal, especially during rainy or hot weather, and raises concerns about hygiene and comfort.
The kitchen where food is prepared also falls short of sanitary standards. Without proper facilities, the risk of food contamination increases, which can lead to health problems for the children. A multipurpose building that combines a dining hall, kitchen, and conference space would solve several problems at once:
Provide a clean, sheltered area for meals
Improve food preparation hygiene
Offer a venue for meetings, events, and parent-teacher gatherings
This facility would foster a stronger sense of community and support better nutrition and health for everyone at BNPA.
Restoring Security with a New Fence - $15,000
In 2015, BNPA secured its entire property with a chain-link fence. Unfortunately, between 2016 and 2020, the fence was destroyed by elephants during a period of national crisis and displacement. This breach has left the campus vulnerable to external threats and internal safety risks.
Now that dormitories and classrooms are in place, restoring the fence is critical to protect students and staff. A secure perimeter will:
Prevent unauthorized access and potential harm
Keep wildlife away from the school grounds
Provide peace of mind for parents and teachers
Rebuilding the fence will require durable materials and possibly wildlife-friendly designs to withstand future challenges while maintaining safety.
Damaged fence at BNPA school grounds showing the need for restoration to ensure student safety
Completing the Secondary School Building - $20,000
BNPA has laid the foundation and reached the beam level for a new building that will serve as a secondary school. This expansion is vital for providing continued education beyond the primary level, allowing students to pursue higher learning without leaving the campus.
To prepare the building for use by February 2027, the following work must be completed:
Roofing installation to protect the structure from weather
Plastering and painting to finish walls and improve aesthetics
Electrical wiring for lighting and power needs
Completing this building will open new opportunities for students and help BNPA meet growing educational demands.
Improving Transportation for Distant Students - $45,000
Many BNPA students come from faraway places such as Juba, Nimule, Magwi, and Aru Junction. Traveling long distances daily can be exhausting and unsafe, especially on rough roads or during bad weather.
Currently, BNPA lacks a dedicated school bus to transport these students. Purchasing a reliable vehicle would:
Ensure safe, timely travel to and from school
Reduce absenteeism caused by transportation difficulties
Support participation in extracurricular activities and events
Reliable transportation is essential for equal access to education and improving student well-being.
Moving Forward Together - BNPA development Budget $121,000
BNPA’s progress so far is impressive, but the school’s future depends on addressing these urgent needs. Building a proper dining hall and kitchen will improve health and community life. Restoring the fence will protect students and staff from harm. Completing the secondary school building will expand educational opportunities. Securing transportation will make education accessible to more children.
Each of these projects requires resources, planning, and community support. By focusing on these priorities, BNPA can create a safer, healthier, and more welcoming environment that nurtures learning and growth for years to come.
As the Lord leads you to give, in supporting BNPA’s development fund or learning more about these initiatives, please reach out to the school’s ONMI today. Together, we can help BNPA overcome its challenges and build a brighter future for its students.
our faith, prayers, and support are crucial to meeting all our ministry-related needs. We confidently aim to raise $121,000 by October 2026. An immediate need of $40 is identified. Thank you for your previous support. All contributions to Operation Nehemiah Missions are tax-deductible. You can make online contributions to Operation Nehemiah Missions at Donate Now
Or send your Tax-deductible contribution to Operation Nehemiah Missions, PO Box 563, Lanesborough, MA 01237, USA
In His grace
William Levi, CEO and Founder, Operation Nehemiah Missions
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