Sudan is more than 7,000 miles from Colorado, but the city of Boulder is very near and dear to the poorest of Sudan's residents.

A group of Boulder volunteers is helping refugees of Sudan begin a new life filled with hope and promise. Without a new start here, most people in Sudan face poverty, starvation, violence and oppression.

"The government will come and bomb villages, people will run, kill and rape. It is very bad and destructive activities the government does," said Micklina Peter Kenyi.

Kenyi fled Sudan as a small child at the height of civil war and ethnic cleansing. While she escaped, she never lost sight of what she left behind.

"I was able to go to school, I got a lot of help, a nice, beautiful apartment, but I was like: 'Why only me? What about the rest? What about those left behind?'" said Kenyi.

Today, young women of Sudan have hope thanks to Kenyi. After making it to Boulder she started a nonprofit called the Community of Sudanese and American Women. Since 2006 CSAW has helped dozens of women, ages 17 to 27, who've fled Sudan find jobs, an education and a future.

"So CSAW is working to promote education, empower them and support them in their daily lives and daily needs," said Kenyi.

Kenyi's enthusiasm inspires others, like the members of the Rose Youth Foundation. The high school students are committed to supporting CSAW's efforts to save lives.

"The level of commitment these people put into helping these girls succeed is so amazing to me," said Reid Spitz, a Cherry Creek High School student.

"What was really cool about it was you could see how passionate they were," said Elizabeth Dansky, a student at Kent High School.

"Most people would say, 'Why would I help so and so because we're not related?' But Micklina has a big heart. She wants to see everyone excel," said Elizabeth Achulo, who was helped by CSAW.

Christine Nakwa was also helped by CSAW, and she added, "I think she is working really, really hard to make sure everybody's happiness comes before hers."

But Kenyi feels her work is not yet done.

"One day these young women will be able to go back to Sudan and rebuild our country instead of waiting for others to come and help us. We should be the engines," said Kenyi.

Kenyi believes empowering the engines of positive change is her purpose in life.

"If I can do something to help somebody, it is great. That is my duty as a human being to other human beings like me," said Kenyi.

To learn more about CSAW go to www.CSAWCO.tripod.com