Submitted by Anonymous on Fri, 2008-12-12 02:00





Students at the Louis M. Klein Middle School in Harrison, NY, raised $5,000 for JDSF. Lost Boy of Sudan and genocide survivor John Dau personally received the funds from the students and shared his story on Wednesday, November 19th at the school.


“I learned that giving is better than getting. How could I possibly ask for a gift when there are people who don't even have food?” said Jason Burger, a student at the middle school, as he reflected on Dau’s presentation. “John Bul Dau really put this into perspective for me. I think I might want to donate some of my old toys to charity because I have more than enough while they have none… I think John Bul Dau really helped me appreciate and understand the privileges we have in America.”


Students in grades six through twelve were inspired to fundraise and raise awareness for JDSF after learning about the organization through Kay Kobbe, founder of Kids for World Health in Mamaronec, N.Y. To learn about the plight of the Lost Boys of Sudan, the students watched the documentary, God Grew Tired of Us, which features John Dau’s  


journey from his war-torn village in Sudan to his new life in America. The students then organized fundraising activities that included car washes, bake sales and candy gram sales during the holiday season.


The money raised by the students will go toward maintaining and expanding the medical services at the Duk Lost Boys Clinic in Dau’s home village in Duk County, South Sudan.


“After hearing Mr. Dau's speech, I am going to appreciate the things I have and realize how lucky I am to have a family and to have food, water and shelter,” said Marlina Gomez, a student at the school.