The founder of Water for South Sudan (WFSS) will visit the DSBN Academy in St. Catharines on Thursday, June 6. Salva Dut, known as one of the thousands of lost boys in South Sudan, will share his inspiring story with students and let them know how their support will benefit the lives of people living in the developing nation. The visit comes after the Academy was named the winner of the 2019 WFSS Iron Giraffe Contest. The contest challenged participants to raise money to bring clean water to the people of South Sudan.

“We are extremely proud of our students for recognizing the dire need for clean water in South Sudan and putting a plan in place to support the great work of WFSS,” says Sue Yetman-Turner, DSBN Academy Grade 7 Teacher. “Students are also excited to meet Salva, hear his story, and learn more about his work.”

Salva Dut was born in a rural village in southwestern Sudan. As a boy, he was separated from his family as civil warfare tore through the nation. Salva joined thousands of others, known as the lost boys, on their journey on foot to find safety in refugee camps. After having the opportunity to join a family in Rochester, New York, Salva learned that his father was still alive in the Sudan, but suffering from water-borne parasites and disease. This inspired him to begin his life’s mission of bringing clean water to those in need.

Salva’s story is extensively detailed in the New York Times bestseller ‘A Long Walk to Water’ by Linda Sue Park. Grade 7 students became inspired to take action after studying the book. Events to raise money for WFSS included chocolate bar fundraisers, bake sales, and a walk-a-thon for Salva.

Salva will be speaking at a school-wide assembly on June 6 at 9 a.m. Media are invited for photographs and interviews. After having survived separation from his family, civil war, and refugee camps, Salva will share his message of perseverance through challenge with Academy students. 

The DSBN Academy is a Grade 6-12 school, focused on supporting students who will become the first in their family to earn a postsecondary diploma/degree. The Academy is the first school of its kind in Ontario. It is located at 130 Louth Street in St. Catharines.