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Salva Dut returns to ISDenver as students land grand prize drawing for Iron Giraffe Challenge

Salva Dut returns to ISDenver as students land grand prize drawing for Iron Giraffe Challenge
Salva Dut returns to ISDenver as students land grand prize drawing for Iron Giraffe Challenge
Kathryn Kroeger
Salva Dut returns to ISDenver as students land grand prize drawing for Iron Giraffe Challenge

Students at the International School of Denver were over-the-moon to win a visit from Water for South Sudan Founder and Chief Strategy Director, Salva Dut, for two years running.  For two years in a row, ISDenver fourth graders participated in the Iron Giraffe Challenge after reading the New York Times bestseller A Long Walk to Water by Linda Sue Park and won the grand prize.

Linda Sue Park retells Salva’s remarkable story about his life as a Lost Boy in Sudan. From his rural village upbringing to the creation of the Water for South Sudan organization, Dut’s story inspires students across the world to fundraise for wells in South Sudanese villages.

It has been an absolute joy to welcome Salva Dut back to ISDenver. Our fourth graders had the unique opportunity to read A Long Walk to Water which deeply touched them and helped them prepare for this special visit. The story inspired them, just as it has in the past years, to take action through fundraising initiatives. With the support of their families and an incredible amount of creativity, they raised over $2,000 for Water for South Sudan. We were all moved by Salva’s firsthand account of how access to clean, fresh water is transforming the lives of people in remote villages in South Sudan. His message, which began with the powerful words, “We are all connected in this world, we are one,” serves as a reminder of our shared humanity. It is a message of unity and compassion that I hope our students will carry in their hearts for years to come.

- Nadia Sobhani, ISDenver Faculty

Dut’s visit included a welcome from Head of School, Bob Carignan, music performed by our 4th and 5th graders, student poetry readings, as well as a book signing. The winning class had a private audience with Dut before he spent the afternoon with 4th-grade students participating in Project Worthmore.  Both Water for South Sudan and Project Worthmore are mission-aligned with the International School of Denver. Both organizations provide students a pathway to global citizenship through education and service. 

Salva’s visit was an unforgettable experience that students will carry with them for the rest of their lives. By meeting him in person, students were able to step into his shoes and better understand his journey and the challenges he faced. Having a character from a book they read come all the way from Africa to express his gratitude for their support made his story come alive in a powerful way. His message inspired students to be more grateful, to persevere through challenges, and to embrace his parting words: “Be strong, work hard, try your best in school, and help others around the world.” It was a meaningful and transformative experience for all students and our ISDenver community.

- Victoria Clemons, ISDenver Faculty

 

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