The boys at Decker Lake Youth Center had a very special experience on Wednesday when they were able to meet virtually with Salva Dut, the founder of the organization Water for South Sudan and the main character in the true story A Long Walk to Water. It all started earlier this year when the boys read the book in class and decided that they wanted to host their own fundraiser to help build a well in South Sudan. Each boy wrote letters to multiple people encouraging donations for a well. In the end, the boys raised over $2,000!
Usually, a meeting with Salva is reserved for the organizations that raise the most money. However, Salva was so impressed with the efforts from the boys at Decker, given their circumstances, that he decided he wanted to thank them for their work.
Even though he is currently in Uganda, Salva met virtually with the boys, talked a little about his life, and gave words of inspiration and encouragement. He stressed that anyone can make a difference no matter their situation. The boys then had the chance to ask questions and even speak with Salva in Dinka and Arabic. It was an incredible experience that happened all because these boys wanted to make a difference.
Submitted and written by Brian, Social Studies teacher at Decker
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