The Valentino Achak Deng Foundation is a nonprofit organization working to increase access to education in post-conflict South 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 an 18-structure educational complex in Valentino's hometown of Marial Bai, South Sudan. The Marial Bai Secondary School opened in May 2009, and is the first high school in the entire region.
Classes have started, and the 4th academic year at the Marial Bai Secondary School is officially in session with nearly 300 students enrolled.
Although the conflict along South Sudan's northern border has escalated, our educational center, students, and faculty are safe. The region surrounding Marial Bai continues to be one of the most peaceful in the country, and we are looking forward to another exciting year at our high school.
But we need your help. ...
Extracurricular programs at the Marial Bai Secondary School help students develop leadership skills and engage in community service. In addition to quality academics, MBSS also offers students the opportunity to be involved with student government, social action groups, drama and debate clubs, scout troops and more. Click here to view more photos of student scout troops at MBSS!
Classes for the 4th academic year at the Marial Bai Secondary School will start early this spring. We need your support! Help us prepare for 2012 by making a contribution today! To learn more about our progress in 2011, read on.
On Tuesday, September 20, Valentino and Dave gave a keynote presentation at this year's Clinton Global Initiative Annual Meeting in New York City. They discussed the challenges of building an educational infrastructure in South Sudan, the importance of community-driven, grassroots projects, and the hope they have for the future of this brand new country.
Dear friends,
It is with great happiness and pride that I welcome the birth of my new nation, the Republic of South Sudan. After a very long struggle, July 9, 2011 marked the beginning of our independence. I have witnessed the day when my country and millions of my people are finally free; our future is ...
The 2nd semester at MBSS begins on August 22, but the cost of food, building materials, school supplies, and fuel in South Sudan has nearly tripled in recent months — we need your help!
It's been a great year so far at the Marial Bai Secondary School — click here to see new photos! Classes for the third academic year started in April with almost 350 students, enrollment of girls has nearly doubled, we have a great team of dedicated teachers, and we've been busy organizing new projects and construction.
On July ...
Watch videos from South 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 an 18-building educational center in the village, comprising the school (completed), a library and teacher-training college (nearly complete), student dormitories (complete), a community center, and sports fields. Below, a rendering of the completed educational complex.
