In 1985, Salva Dut's life was turned upside-down. The civil unrest between North and South Sudan entered his small village of Loun-Ariik, and he was forced to flee his village. Because of this, he became one of the leaders of the Lost Boys, a group of thousands of boys who were displaced because of the war. They had to travel 1,800 miles, by foot, through three separate countries. 

Salva persevered and grew up to become a man who wants to give back to his country. He developed a non-profit organization called Water for South Sudan, which builds wells so that villagers have access to drinkable water.

Salva needs donations to continue this good work. Every year, his organization runs the Iron Giraffe Challenge. The term "iron giraffe" comes from Linda Sue Park's novel, A Long Walk to Water, and refers to the drill that is used to dig for the well. Schools all around the United States donate to fund the wells, and the school with the most donations wins a visit from Salva Dut himself! 

After reading about Salva in A Long Walk to Water, seventh graders at Robert Cushman Murphy Jr. High School were inspired to participate in the Iron Giraffe Challenge. In doing so, they will be raising money to donate to Salva's organization. The students hope to raise one thousand dollars-- enough to build a well to provide clean, accessible drinking water to those in need. Please help the students reach their goal by donating today!