ROTA - The Bigger Picture

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The Pickle Jar Project acts as the youth branch of a larger local charity called Reaching Out to Africa (ROTA).

This is their story.

Fidele Diing Dhan and the Lost Boys of Sudan

Fidele was born in Koiyom, a small village in Southern Sudan, and lived there until he was forced to flee from the civil war. He joined a group of young boys trying to escape rebel militia, wild animals, hunger, dehydration, and many more threats.  They walked on foot to Ethiopia, where they were eventually turned away, and then travelled back through Sudan to refugee camps in Kenya. Many did not even make it that far. At 21, Fidele arrived in Syracuse, New York. He had been given the rare opportunity to continue his education in the United States. After earning his GED and associate's degree in medical assistance from Bryant and Stratton College, Fidele was accepted at UB. In Buffalo, Fidele moved in with Father Ron Sadjak, pastor of St. Martin de Porres.  Fidele had felt a call to return to his village and create change, so he proposed his idea for the Koiyom Clinic and School to Reaching Out to Africa, a local charity centralized at Fr. Ron's parish. Soon after Fidele's proposal was accepted, he visited a group of teens at Young Christians at Work, who immediately gave their full enthusiastic support, and continue to do so today.

Father Ron Sajdak

Father Ron, pastor of St. Martin de Porres parish in Buffalo, has been involved with Reaching Out to Africa for a long time. In the past, local fundraisers directed by ROTA have been able to fund a well and a dormitory in Uganda.

For More Information, Please Read: WNYC Article on ROTA

Fidele (right) and his younger brother