Millburn’s Washington School Walks For Water For South Sudan

Press release from Millburn Township Public Schools:

June 21, 2022

The 5th grade students at Millburn’s Washington School held a Walk-a-Thon in March in the back field of the school. They were inspired by "A Long Walk to Water," by Linda Sue Park, the story of Salva Dut, who brought wells and clean water to South Sudan. Mrs. Patricia Murphy and Mrs. Katy Briber's classes have presented this story to the other classes at Washington School and have organized a simulation of walking a mile carrying water as a fundraiser, with the support of Physical Education teacher Mr. Michael Hogan.

In 2018 Washington School students raised $5,000 to build a well in South Sudan. They simulated walking a mile for water around the field, and asking for sponsor donations to support their goal of providing another well to the people of South Sudan that will give them access to clean, safe water and improved sanitation. If you would like to help, see the donation page here.

Salva's Story

Salva Dut was born in a rural village in southwestern Sudan to the Dinka tribe. At 11 years old, the Sudanese Civil War reached his village and separated Salva from his family. He joined thousands of boys, famously known as the "Lost Boys," on their journey by foot to seek safety in refugee camps in Ethiopia and Kenya. After living in refugee camps for 10 years, Salva was given the opportunity to move to the United States, where he was embraced by a family in Rochester, New York. Several years later, Salva learned that his father was still alive in Southern Sudan but was suffering with disease caused by waterborne parasites. His father’s illness inspired Salva to help both his father and his country by bringing clean water to those in need. This was the beginning of the charitable organization, Water for South Sudan.

This press release was produced by Millburn Township Public Schools. The views expressed here are the author's own.