Authentic Voices. Important Topics.

Gabriel Bol Deng
The Power of Hope
A Lost Boy Helps Rebuild Sudan

Gabriel Bol Deng has overcome unbelievable obstacles. He was 10 years old when North Sudan Arab militiamen led a violent attack on his village in South Sudan. He fled, not knowing the whereabouts of his parents or siblings. After his escape, Gabriel embarked on a harrowing, four month journey across the Nile River and the untold miles of Desert, surviving disease and paralyzing hunger to reach Ethiopia. While at the Dimma Refugee Camp in Ethiopia, Gabriel first learned English by writing on cardboard with pieces of charcoal. Four years later, he fled from violence again, leaving Ethiopia and traveling cross-country to Kenya, where, with the help of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, Gabriel received an education at the Kakuma Refugee Camp. In 2000, he was offered the chance to join a refugee resettlement program in the United States. Gabriel is one of the Sudanese orphans known as The Lost Boys of Sudan.

Activism

In May 2007 Gabriel traveled back to South Sudan after 20 years to look for his family, a journey documented in the upcoming film 'Rebuilding Hope'. On his return, he founded HOPE (Helping Offer Primary Education) for Sudan. HOPE for Sudan is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing educational opportunities and health services for the people of Sudan who have been adversely affected by the ongoing crises in the country. Currently HOPE is raising money to create, build, and maintain a Primary School in Ariang, Gabriel's native village.

Speaking

In order to create awareness of the suffering of the millions of people in his native Sudan, Deng has built a reputation as an informative and passionate public speaker. He has spoken at over 200 venues to people of all ages about his life experiences and the ongoing crises in Sudan. Some of these engagements include Cornell University, American University, Eastern Connecticut State University, Seton Hall University, Model United Nations Clubs, Amnesty International Chapters, Rotary Clubs, congregations, high schools, elementary schools, and many others. His inspiring lectures touch on the American immigrant experience, the ongoing political turmoil in Sudan, the situation in Darfur and its connections to South Sudan, and the impact of war on children. He bears witness to the importance of education and the triumph of the human spirit. Most of all he emphasizes the power of hope and of holding on to your dreams.

Gabriel Bol Deng is pursuing a Master of Science in Mathematics Education at Le Moyne College. He has received the 2006 Distinguished Student Teacher of the Year Award, the 2007 Bishop Thomas J. Costello, D.D., Medal for excellence in Public Service and Peace and Global Studies, and the 2007 Le Moyne College Social Justice Award.

The Response

"Gabriel gave us much to reflect upon and several people in attendance have spoken of a thought he imparted or an idea he shared. What a gracious, courageous and articulate gentleman he is, who challenged all of us to be better people and get involved in our world."

Sue Tronco
Student Activities
University of Northern Colorado

"Our evening with Gabriel was both powerful and inspiring. His story captivated the Cedar Crest College audience, and left both students and other campus community members thirsty for more of Gabriel's memories of the South Sudan. After the presentation, Gabriel was gracious in answering questions and engaged with students in conversation. Those who attended Gabriel's presentation, The Power of Hope, couldn't thank me enough for bringing Gabriel to our campus. I can't thank Gabriel enough for being such an outstanding guest."

Kelly Ann Murray
Residence Life Coordinator & Coordinator of
International and Diversity Programs
Cedar Crest College

"I was so inspired by Gabriel's optimistic view point on life. In such tough situations, the one he experienced being extremely rough, I would find it so easy to abandon hope and give up. But the fact that Gabriel worked through it and made him into a great person is inspiring. I don't think I would ever have the courage to stick through something like that, but the fact that Gabriel overcame such obstacles confirm my faith in human strength and nature. And just maybe, next time I'm in a tough situation I will try a little harder to persevere since I know it's possible to do so."

Kate Dirrigl

"Gabriel was very interested and willing to meet and talk to students during his visit. He opened the eyes of our student body to the suffering in Sudan. Many student groups have already expressed interest in pursuing a project to help his school. It was important for the students to put a friendly face to this unique part of the world, and the challenges they face in Sudan."

Brooke James
Student Activities and Leadership
St. Lawrence University

To book this speaker, call (206) 529-4711 or email info@samaralectures.com