Letter from Valentino
A holiday thank you letter from Valentino Achak Deng to everyone who has supported the Foundation’s work in Marial Bai.
Dear Friends,
I have noticed that the holiday season has approached, and I am compelled to express my gratitude and thanks to many good people who have touched my life, both directly and indirectly. I would like to express many thanks to many compassionate and faithful souls, who have contributed immensely to the realization and achievements of the vision and mission of our Foundation in the United States and in Marial Bai, southern Sudan.
First, I would like to give my humble thanks to President Barack Obama of the United States of America and Prime Minister Jan Peter Balkenende of the Kingdom of Netherlands for having read and recommended What Is the What to their cabinets and citizens. Your far-reaching attentions mean a better and safer global community for many. May God bless you.
Second, I would like to convey my thanks to many academics, many institutions and many professors, many teachers and many book reading groups who have read What Is the What and subsequently recommended it for consideration as required reading at academic institutions. You have helped us spread the words. Your attention has helped us reach out to many kind hearts and souls on your campuses and in your communities.
Third, I would like to pass my sincere thanks to many compassionate men and women of our global community who have made various kinds of contributions to support our development projects. I would like to compliment many of you who have made personal donations, many of you who have organized house fundraisers, many of you who have asked their companies to consider making donations, and many of you who have wished us success. You represent to me the very hope that has brought our humanity this far. I am honored and proud of your humble touches.
Fourth, I would like to express my gratitude to many young people, especially the college and high school students who have read What Is the What and consequently spared their valuable time to have me invited to speak in their schools. I am happy to know that many of you, even with lots of school work, have taken time to participate in on-campus activities that seek to increase global awareness. Keep the faith.
Fifth, I also would like to give many thanks to Sudanese leaders, especially the members of the Governments of Northern Bhar El Gazel State where we operate. We could not have launched the VAD Foundation’s projects in Sudan without your patriotic support—and together we have now made unusual accomplishments for the Sudanese people. I am still convinced that our determination, our hope, and our faith will help us revive a better Sudan for everyone.
Finally, I would like to wish EVERYONE a blessed holiday season.
Yours sincerely,
Valentino Achak Deng
