About theLee-Ann’s Hand of Hope Scholarship

Our Story

The Lee-Ann’s Hand of Hope Scholarship was established out of a Christian commitment to support young Murle people through education.

The Murle are a small ethnic community living primarily in the eastern part of South Sudan.

A significant part of the community is connected to the Presbyterian Church and other Christian communities.

For many young Murle people, completing high school does not necessarily mean they can continue to university, college, vocational training, or other forms of higher education.

Financial hardship, displacement, insecurity, limited educational opportunities, and other socioeconomic challenges can prevent capable students from pursuing further education.

Recognizing this need, Lee Ann Alexander, together with her coworker Caroline, began supporting young Murle students in 2020.

The initiative began with a small number of students and has gradually expanded to support a growing number of students pursuing education at different levels.

Today, the Lee-Ann’s Hand of Hope Scholarship continues to focus on one central belief:

Education can transform individuals, families, churches, and communities.

We seek to provide students with more than financial assistance.

We want to help them acquire:

Knowledge

Practical skills

Qualifications

Christian values

Responsibility

A commitment to service

These qualities can prepare young people to contribute meaningfully to their families and communities.

Our Mission

To provide educational opportunities and appropriate support to deserving Murle students facing financial barriers, enabling them to acquire knowledge, skills, and qualifications that improve their lives and contribute to positive change in their communities.

Our Vision

To see a generation of educated, responsible, Christ-centered, and community-minded Murle young people equipped to contribute to the development and transformation of their communities.

Team Members

Lee Ann Alexander

Founder — United States

Lee Ann Alexander is the founder of the Lee Ann Scholarship Initiative.

Her vision is centered on using education as a practical expression of Christian service and as an investment in the future of young Murle people.

Through the scholarship, Lee Ann has supported students who otherwise face significant barriers to continuing their education.

Caroline

Program Support — United States

Caroline works alongside Lee Ann in supporting the vision and development of the scholarship initiative.

Together, Lee Ann and Caroline provide leadership and support from the United States while working with the local coordination team in Africa.

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Johnson Kengen Ngachor

Project Coordinator — Africa

Johnson Kengen Ngachor serves as the Project Coordinator for the Lee Ann Scholarship in Africa.

He is a graduate of Public Administration and Management, a young community leader, and a member of the Murle community.

He is also a former student who benefited from the educational support and mentorship associated with the program.

Our Core Belief

Education is not simply a personal achievement.

It can become an investment in:

Individuals → Families → Churches → Communities → South Sudan