By: Jenna Mulandi
Born in Kauda, Southern Kordofan, Sudan, Tutu Chili grew up in a war-torn region marked by insecurity, religious discrimination, and a lack of basic amenities like hospitals and schools. “It was a place,” he recalls, “where freedom of expression was denied, and people suffered greatly. Many died without ever seeing a doctor.”
Those painful realities became the foundation of Tutu’s calling—to change the healthcare situation in his home country. As a teenager, he fled to Kakuma Refugee Camp in Kenya with his siblings. Life in the camp was hard, but Tutu refused to let it stop him. He completed his primary and secondary education there and even trained as a teacher.
In 2015, he returned to Sudan and began volunteering at the Mother of Mercy Hospital, where he trained on the job as a nurse and scrub technician. “My dream has always been to serve within the health system,” he says. “But sometimes we would think we were doing the right thing and ended up causing harm. Training was not enough. When the opportunity came for formal education, I was excited and willing to risk it all to make a real impact.”
Now, Tutu is studying Perioperative Theatre Technology (POTT) at Kijabe College of Health Sciences (KCHS) in Kenya, supported by African Mission Healthcare (AMH). He says the experience has transformed his understanding of surgical care. “Training in Kijabe is great—I’m being exposed to areas beyond what I initially came to study. I even rotate through radiology, which I can’t wait to share with my colleagues back home.”
Tutu hopes to return to Sudan to train others in vital skills such as sterilization and infection prevention. “There is a big gap to fill,” he says. “The lack of trained professionals and proper infrastructure are huge challenges. But I believe that by sharing what I’ve learned, I can help save lives and strengthen our health system.”
Tutu’s faith has also shaped his purpose. “I love that the Kijabe community treats patients with love, regardless of race or religion,” he says. “I’m grateful to experience and serve the love of Christ.”
Tutu’s story is one of faith, courage, and the power of education to transform not just one life—but an entire community.