The "Lost Boys" of Sudan endured countless experiences filled with setbacks, conflicts and challenges while migrating from Sudan to Kenya, and during their assimilation into the American culture.
Brief History:
Push factors behind the "Lost Boys" migration from their home in Sudan to the refugee camp in Kenya were the unequal land distribution and cultural differences throughout Sudan. These conflicts spurred rebels to attack villages and made the inhabitants engage in forced migration and become refugees. On their journey from Sudan, through Ethiopia and to the refugee camp in Kenya, the "Lost Boys" encountered more conflicts. Starvation, heat, exhaustion, and losing friends and family greatly deterred the progress of the "Lost Boys." When they finally reached the refugee camp, they were greeted by yet even more difficulties. Natural Disasters plagued the area, and food was rationed sparsely. Some of the refugees were sponsored to move to the United States, where they could be properly educated and help their relations in Sudan.
"Life is a series of experiences, each one of which makes us bigger, even though sometimes it is hard to realize this. For the world was built to develop character, and we must learn that the setbacks and grieves which we endure help us in our marching onward.(Henry Ford).
Peter, a young man from the "Lost Boys" Documentary faces several difficulties while assimilating into the American culture. When he first received news that he would be moving to America, he was thrilled. He believed that it would be 'heaven on earth" and life would be better and easier when he arrived there. However when Peter arrives in Texas, he realizes that it is anything but. Peter is faced with hundreds of concepts that he must understand and objects that he must learn to use if he wishes to have a successful life. Peter must learn how to manage his money, follow the law, work his occupations, drive a car, use technology and much more. Another dilemma that Peter faced was the language barrier. He had to learn and be fluent in English if he wished to thrive. As his fellow "Lost Boys" seemed to not care about their education, Peter moved to Kansas, to focus on his education. In Kansas, Peter was being pulled in many different directions. Peter had to attend school, support his living with a job, complete his homework, and deal with his relations in the Refugee Camp that were urging him to send money back to them. On top of all this, he was trying out for the basketball team and trying to make new friends in his school. Peter also faced racism and stereotyping. People thought he would be lazy, untidy, steal from them, hurt them. His own teacher automatically assumed that he would not need to take any college entrance exams because he would be going to the community college. Peter faced all the conflicts he encountered in the Unites States with the determination to succeed. He worked hard at everything that came his way, exceeds everyone's expectations. He built upon what he already knew, and focused on the new things he was learning so he could perform them well. He was dedicated to all of his obligations and passions, and gave everything he did his best effort. This effort payed off in many areas, like when he wrote a biography that surpassed what his teacher expected, made a group of new friends, learned English, got into a proper college, and much more. Peter did not succeed in everything though, but that did not deter his effort. He was not able to make the basketball team, but this did not get his spirits down, and he continues to play basketball with his friends.Peter managed to succesfully assimilate into the american culture, and at the same time benefit his relations back home. Peter bit onto the fish hook of liberty that pulled him out of the murky water, and though it was hard to breathe once he got out, his determination allowed him to learn how to breathe and survive.
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