The Valentino Achak Deng Foundation

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What Is the What

Dave Eggers's What Is the What is the novelized autobiography of Valentino Achak Deng, from his pre-war life in Southern Sudan to his resettlement in the United States. All proceeds from the book go to aiding the Sudanese in America and Sudan. Please explore our Book Section to read a sample chapter, download a reader’s guide, or view additional comments and reviews.

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New book about Sudan from the Voice of Witness series

McSweeney's Voice of Witness is proud to announce the December 1 release of its latest title, Out of Exile: Narratives from the Abducted and Displaced People of Sudan. For information about the book tour, read on.

November 9th, 2008 | news | Posted by Greg

What Is the What chosen as city-wide book in San Mateo, Thousand Oaks, and Philadelphia

Dave Eggers's What Is the What has recently been selected for three library programs that invite communities to read and discuss the same book.

October 14th, 2008 | news | Posted by Greg

Update from the construction site in Marial Bai

Construction is well underway on the secondary school that the Foundation is building in Valentino’s hometown of Marial Bai, Southern Sudan. Valentino designed the 11-building educational complex and has been overseeing the construction. In early September, Dave Eggers visited the school site with Valentino to see the progress.

September 22nd, 2008 | news | Posted by Greg

Dutch Prime Minister Balkenende gives his ministers What Is the What to read over holidays

Jan Peter Balkenende, the Prime Minister of the Netherlands, recently gave all of his ministers a copy of What Is the What to read on their summer holidays.

July 12th, 2008 | news | Posted by Greg

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FEATURES

Learn more about Valentino's plans to build an educational center in his hometown of Marial Bai.

Read an excerpt from a forthcoming book about slavery and forced displacement in Sudan, made possible by a grant from the Foundation to the Voice of Witness book series.

Find out what you can do right now to help Sudan.

Visit our Speakers Bureau to find Sudanese public speakers and invite them to your town.

Read Dave Eggers's 2007 trip report about his travels to Southern Sudan with Valentino. During July of 2007 they were back in Valentino's hometown of Marial Bai, where the Foundation is building an educational center.

SUDAN NEWS

News and opinions related to Sudan, and links to quality news sources.

Read Sudan news >

HELPFUL LINKS

Save the Children
Aid organization that provides instrumental help to the Sudanese.

The Save Darfur Coalition
Alliance of more than 170 advocacy and humanitarian organizations.

ENOUGH Project
Aiming to end genocide and crimes against humanity.

The Women's Commission
Helping refugee women, children and youth in many countries, including Sudan