Meet Kiir “Paul” 🇸🇸
South Sudan
CPSAF Scholar-Athlete: U.S. Arrival at Age 12
Meet Kiir “Paul,” a dynamic 13-year-old seventh-grader from Entebbe with dreams as vast as the African landscape he hails from. Born into a large family with 34 siblings, six mothers, and one father, Kiir’s upbringing is a testament to the rich cultural tapestry of his origins. Entebbe, his birthplace, graces the northern shores of Lake Victoria in Uganda, offering picturesque views and a serene backdrop to the bustling life of Kampala just 34 kilometers away.
Kiir’s journey took a significant turn when he moved to South Sudan, a country with a tumultuous history marked by ethnic violence and a civil war that lasted from December 2013 to February 2020. Despite these challenges, South Sudan, the world’s youngest country since gaining independence in 2011, is where Kiir began to dream of a future in basketball.
With a palate favoring the simple pleasure of chicken, Kiir’s ambitions soar beyond the culinary. He aspires to play basketball for Kentucky, Texas, or Baylor, aiming to bring his talents to the forefront of collegiate sports. His academic interests lie in math and science, subjects that fuel his analytical mind and complement his physical prowess on the court.
Kiir’s story is one of resilience and hope, reflecting a journey from the shores of Lake Victoria and the challenges of South Sudan to the pursuit of academic and athletic excellence. As he aims to make his mark on the basketball courts of America, Kiir embodies the spirit of determination and the boundless potential of youth.
CPSAF Scholarship Fund Overview
Eligible Grades: 7-12
Award Period: August 2023 – August 2029
Total Scholarship Value (Goal): $300,000 USD (subject to available funding)
Approved Sport: Basketball
Note: The CPSAF Scholarship Fund intends to provide up to $300,000 USD in total scholarships over the award period, dependent on available funding and donations. While it is our goal to reach this amount, actual scholarship disbursements may vary based on the funds raised.