Starting on Monday, Nov. 25, the East African Student Union (EASU) hosted a charity event for the humanitarian crisis in Sudan. Located in Northeast Africa, Sudan has been battling through a two-year-long war and genocide that has now resulted in the largest humanitarian crisis to date.
ESAU’s first event was a bake sale in Anderson Center, where everything sold was handmade. Later that day, they collaborated with UNIDOS, Hamline’s African Student Union (HASA) and Peer Wellness for a cookie-breaking event. Students could donate however much they’re able and decorate a cookie with whatever has been troubling them. In the end, everyone broke their cookie in half to symbolize letting their worries go.
Senior Ridwan Hussein fills the role of Internal President for the club, which comes along with several duties.
“My responsibilities with EASU include overseeing the operations of the organization, facilitating clear communication within the board, helping solve issues and leading/planning meetings to make sure we stay on track throughout the semester,” Hussein said via email.
EASU has created an opportunity for students of East African descent to come together and form a community of hardworking individuals, showcasing their culture and supporting one another in a way they have shown and done for Sudan.
Hussein had the opportunity to explain further about why Charity Week has been important for her and the rest of EASU.
“As the East African Organization on campus, it is our responsibility to inform the Hamline community of the humanitarian crisis that is happening in Sudan. Our role goes beyond celebrating cultures. It is also about standing with our communities when they are hurting,” Hussein said via email.
The conflict in Sudan has been ongoing for three years, following a power struggle between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), who have been fighting for control over the government since the overthrow of Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir on April 11, 2019. The RSF has carried out a genocide in Darfur (a region in western Sudan) beginning on April 15, 2023, with the funding of weapons and mercenaries from the UAE. Fueled by economic and racial tensions, it has resulted in over 15,000 deaths and nearly 13 million people displaced.
“Across all critically affected regions, the drivers of hunger are clear: conflict, displacement and blocked humanitarian access. In Al Fasher and Kadugli, people have endured months without reliable access to food or medical care. Markets have collapsed and prices of staple goods have soared. UNICEF, WFP and FAO are prioritizing the hardest-hit areas with integrated food, nutrition, health, WASH, protection and agriculture and livestock health support. But access remains inconsistent, and humanitarian workers and supplies are frequently targeted, while aid convoys face delays, denials and security threats,” Sarah Ferguson, a reporter for UNICEF USA said in an article titled “Famine Takes Hold in Sudan” on Nov. 4, 2025.
EASU did not work alone throughout Charity Week, gaining support from other clubs such as HASA, Muslim Student Union (MSA), Peer Wellness, UNIDOS and The Commuters Social Club (TCSC). HASA and MSA partnered with EASU for the bake sale, where they exceeded sales of over one thousand dollars.
“But we not only exceeded that, but we also had some donors say that they would match the proceeds we had made,” Hussein said via email.
UNIDOS was a sponsor of the ‘Cookie For a Cause’ event, and Peer Wellness was there to give students advice on destressing and sources for extra support. TCSC was there for the ‘Hot Chocolate and Blanket Making’ event, which they sponsored, and students paid to make blankets and sip hot chocolate on a chilly morning.
Sophomore Ivan Souzek noticed Sudan has been receiving less coverage from the media.
“I guess I was looking for an opportunity to support the cause because I feel like I hear about it less online than other things, so I was happy to find a place where I can contribute,” Souzek said.
EASU’s Charity Week offered not only a moment for people to come together and donate what they could for people suffering as a result of war, starvation and displacement, but also strengthened Hamline students’ compassion and pillar of support for each other. Many students had never heard of the atrocities being committed in Sudan, while humanitarian workers have been fighting to enter with resources for the last three years.
Hussein answered a question about what she’s learned throughout Charity Week.
“I saw the genocide/humanitarian crisis that is happening in Sudan, and immediately started to do more research. One thing I learned is that this has been going on FAR longer than I thought it had,” Hussein said via email.
