The Valentino Achak Deng Foundation Untitled Document
JOIN OUR MAILING LIST
Join
Search the site
Untitled Document
VADF The Valentino Achak Deng Foundation is a 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.
News Read all foundation news >

Summer photos from Marial Bai!

We've made great progress this year at our high school in Marial Bai, Southern Sudan—check out our new photo gallery. There are nearly 250 students enrolled! We constructed the girls' dorm, library, and science lab, and started work on a soccer field and school farm. To support our students, click here.
August 27th, 2010 | news | Posted by Greg
NY Times video by Nicholas Kristof
After visiting Sudan with Valentino in April, New York Times columnist Nicholas Kristof produced a great video feature about Valentino and the Marial Bai Secondary School. Kristof also wrote a column about his visit to the school, which followed up on his earlier column about Valentino. Thanks to Mr. Kristof for his continued support of our work in Sudan!
July 21st, 2010 | news | Posted by vadf
June update from Marial Bai





Our first team of volunteer teachers arrived at the Marial Bai Secondary School, where they'll be spending the summer training teachers, teaching classes, and helping build capacity at the school. Please enjoy our photo gallery from June, and also our recent photo blog from May.
July 1st, 2010 | news | Posted by Greg

Help support Valentino's school

Classes have begun at the Marial Bai Secondary School for its second academic year! Construction is complete on our new girls' dormitories, which can accommodate nearly 100 young women—more female students than at any other high school across Southern Sudan.


Here are some specific ways you can support our students:

  • Sponsor a student with a monthly donation of $21. To make a monthly donation in another amount, email us.
  • $9 provides a student with a backpack full of school supplies.
  • $30 provides a student with a full set of textbooks.
  • $75 provides one laboratory set of science equipment.
  • $300 provides a girl's scholarship for a year.
  • $500 provides the school with one energy-efficient laptop.
  • $1,500 builds a teacher's house in our teachers' compound.
  • $5,000 pays a teacher’s salary for one year.

  • Donations to Valentino's school also make great gifts, and we'll send a letter to your loved ones letting them know that you contributed in their name. All donations are tax-deductible, and 100% of every contribution goes straight to Sudan for the Marial Bai Secondary School.
    April 25th, 2010 | news | Posted by Greg
    SELECT A SLIDESHOW OR VIDEO

    Get the Flash Player to see this player.

    FEATURES
    See photos from the Foundation's new secondary school in Valentino's hometown of Marial Bai, Southern Sudan.
    Learn about girls' education in Southern Sudan.
    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.
    Host a fundraiser for the Valentino Achak Deng Foundation.
    Learn about volunteer teaching opportunities at the Marial Bai Secondary School in Southern Sudan.
    Find out what you can do right now to help Sudan.
    Read Dave Eggers's essay about the writing of What Is the What and his 2007 trip report about his travels to Southern Sudan with Valentino.
    FIND US ONLINE:

    SUPPORT OUR SCHOOL:
    SUDAN NEWS
    News and opinions related to Sudan, and links to quality news sources.
    HELPFUL LINKS
    ENOUGH Project
    Aims to end genocide and crimes against humanity.

    The Save Darfur Coalition
    Alliance of advocacy organizations.

    The Women's Commission
    Helping refugee women and children globally.





    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.


    Untitled Document
    Contact Us | Join Our Mailing List | Privacy Policy Donate Now
    Untitled Document