The Valentino Achak Deng Foundation Story

http://www.valentinoachakdeng.org
Valentino Achak Deng was a victim of the civil war in Southern Sudan. During attacks by armed janjaweed raiders, he fled home in 1986, walking 800 miles to safety in Ethiopia and then Kenya. He became one of the so-called "lost boys," growing up without parents in refugee camps. In 2001, Valentino was resettled to the United States, and in 2006, his life story was told in the novel What Is the What, by Dave Eggers.

Southern Sudan is still recovering from war. Extreme damage to the infrastructure has left most of the region in poverty, and there are very few schools or educational opportunities. Valentino and Dave have established the Valentino Achak Deng Foundation, a non-profit organization which, among other projects, is building the first secondary school in Valentino's hometown of Marial Bai. The school will open in April 2009, part of a 12-building educational complex including a library, a
teacher-training college, a community center, and other facilities. The Foundation is still raising funds to finish this complex.

Footage by Valentino Deng, Dave Eggers, and Greg Larson. Edited by Brian McGinn.

Category:

Nonprofits & Activism

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• Achak
• Deng
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• Sudan
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[flyguyinmotion]

I just read his book and was moved by his story. Even though many details were novelized for the book, the story was a terrific read. Really helped me understand the situation in Sudan.

[nogoodkris]

I just finished reading What is the What? and I am so encouraged to find that Achak did not give up after all the tragedy in his life, that he has found a way to use his tragedy to change the lives of others for the better. Since I did not have to pay to read What is the What, I am now going to make a contribution to the Foundation in gratitude for the inspiration he has given me.

[scootstud]

Your determination to improve Sudan is truly inspiring. You are setting a great example for the people of Marial Bai, and anyone who has read your book. Keep up the hard work. Everyone deserves the freedom to acquire an education.

[southsudanvoice]

The book is called what is the what?

[southsudanvoice]

we support education in Southern Sudan.. our land will be the shinning star of Africa..

[remcot]

Keep up the good work! Achak, nice to see the video.

[eepat]

I read "the lost boys of sudan" AND "what is the what"

I'm following up on your projects.

Valentino, you are truly an amazing fighter!

[s00andre]

I read the book in 2007, and i was just amazaed by it. I think that you are going a great job Valentino...Please keep it up and keep us as updated as you can on your project.

[Maryspond]

We were thrilled to see this video and your website after listening to WHAT IS THE WHAT on CD. Keep up the great work!

[Nhomlaau]

I just wanted to say that you've done a very wonderful job Achak.