Where small, caring actions can reach around the world.
Welcome to Shaping Bright Futures
We are a nonprofit organization based in San Diego, California, dedicated to providing scholarships to students displaced by conflict in South Sudan—opening access to quality education and brighter futures. As part of our mission to raise awareness of global educational disparities, we share the inspiring children’s book At Least I Wasn’t Eaten by a Lion based on the true story of one of our founders who was a Lost Boy of Sudan. The book illustrates how education can transform lives and demonstrate how readers everywhere can be part of the solution..
Who We Are
Our Vision
Our Vision
Our Vision
At Shaping Bright Futures, we envision a world where every person has access to an education. We believe that education can help break the cycles of war experienced in many countries. It is our hope that through education we can help create a world where everyone has the opportunity to live peacefully and to thrive, regardless of their background or circumstances.
Our Story
Our Vision
Our Vision
Mathew Riek, founder of SBF, had to flee from his village in Sudan as a young boy. He joined 20,000 other boys searching for safety. They became known as the Lost Boys of Sudan. He lived in a refugee camp for 10 years and ultimately was resettled in the United States. Mathew returned to his village 20 years later and found that the child
Mathew Riek, founder of SBF, had to flee from his village in Sudan as a young boy. He joined 20,000 other boys searching for safety. They became known as the Lost Boys of Sudan. He lived in a refugee camp for 10 years and ultimately was resettled in the United States. Mathew returned to his village 20 years later and found that the children were going to school under a tree. He pledged to return and build a school for the community that the children deserve.
Our Team
Our Vision
Our Team
Our team is made up of dedicated professionals and volunteers who are passionate about making Mathew's dream of offering education opportunities to people in conflict zones a reality. We work tirelessly to ensure that our programs and services are meeting the needs of those we serve. We also strive to ensure that as much of your donation as possible goes directly to those we serve.
Our Programs
South Sudan School
South Sudan School
South Sudan School
The primary goal of Shaping Bright Futures is to help Mathew achieve his dream of building a school for the children in his home village in South Sudan. Even though this area is currently in conflict, we are still raising money and making plans in hopes of one day moving forward to build this beautiful school.
Scholarships
South Sudan School
South Sudan School
When we realized that we needed to pause in building our school due to conflict, we realized that people were still seeking out education. Many people have left to neighboring countries such as Kenya and Uganda to continue their education. SBF has established scholarships to help these students reach their educational goals.
Local Outreach
Informational Sessions
Informational Sessions
SBF strives to bring awareness to the educational disparities found around the world. We visit schools to share Mathew's story and partner with a local organizations to meet the needs of those who are recently located to San Diego from East African countries.
Informational Sessions
Informational Sessions
Informational Sessions
Interested in learning more about how your small, caring actions can change a life of someone around the world? Representatives from SBF are available to speak with schools, groups, or clubs and share Mathew's story and SBF's mission to offer educational opportunities to people in need. Call and schedule today!
Latest News!
Order Your Copy!
SBF is excited to announce that At Least I Wasn't Eaten by a Lion, a children's book that follows Mathew's incredible story is now available. The story follows Mathew as a child tending cows in his village in Sudan to walking 1000 miles to escape war to navigating life in America. The story, combined with captivating illustrations from talented artist Miriam Winters, makes this a book you do not want to miss! Make sure to sign up for our email list to get the latest information on where you can see Mathew read the story!
Join us on our mission to offer bright futures to everyone!
Shaping Bright Futures is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and donations may be tax deductible.