The Valentino Achak Deng Foundation is a US-based nonprofit organization working to increase access to education in post-conflict Southern Sudan by building schools, libraries, teacher-training institutes, and community centers. Established by Valentino Deng and Dave Eggers after the publication of What Is the What, the Foundation's first major project is the construction and operation of a 15-structure educational complex in Valentino's hometown of Marial Bai, Southern Sudan. The Marial Bai Secondary School opened in May 2009, and is the first high school in the entire region.
The Foundation has been selected as Charity of the Month by One Meaning Couture, a jewelry and apparel store with a philanthropic vision. As featured in Elle, One Meaning donates 8.13% of their proceeds to a different charity each month.
We started the new year off by breaking ground on the girls' dormitory at the Marial Bai Secondary School. Construction will move quickly, and the dorm will be finished by April. The girls' dorm project would not have been possible without the generous contributions from thousands of donors over the holiday season; thank you for you support!
Valentino's life and the new Marial Bai Secondary School in Southern Sudan were featured in Nicholas Kristof's New York Timesop-ed column in late December. Thanks very much to Mr. Kristof and to all of his readers who have supported our organization!
In May 2009, the Valentino Achak Deng Foundation opened a brand new high school in Valentino's hometown of Marial Bai, Sudan. It's the first fully-functional secondary school in the entire region, where after twenty years of war, students have had no other opportunities to continue their education.
Valentino will be returning to the United States for a brief speaking tours this spring. There are select dates left, so please read on to learn how you can invite Valentino for a speaking event in your town.
Watch videos from Southern Sudan, including a short documentary about the Foundation and footage of Valentino and his family in Marial Bai, at our YouTube channel.
Above, the Marial Bai Secondary School—the first and only high school in a region wracked by decades of civil war. It's the first phase of the Foundation's plan to create a 15-building educational center in the village, comprising the school (completed), a library and teacher-training college (nearly complete), student dormitories (breaking ground January 2010), a community center, and sports fields. Below, a rendering of the completed educational complex.
