[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 153 (Wednesday, October 30, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1605]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 RECOGNIZING THE TEN-YEAR ANNIVERSARY OF THE NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION, 
   WATER FOR SOUTH SUDAN, FOR ITS EFFORTS TO ELIMINATE CONTAMINATED 
   DRINKING WATER AND IMPROVE THE HEALTH AND WELLBEING OF THE SOUTH 
                            SUDANESE PEOPLE

                                 ______
                                 

                     HON. LOUISE McINTOSH SLAUGHTER

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, October 30, 2013

  Ms. SLAUGHTER. Mr. Speaker, it is my esteemed honor to recognize the 
ten-year anniversary of the non-profit organization, Water for South 
Sudan, and commend this Rochester-based organization for its tireless 
efforts in the fight against contaminated water use in the South Sudan 
region. I also want to recognize and congratulate the founder of Water 
for South Sudan, Salva Dut, and his staff for drilling 177 wells in the 
South Sudan since October 2003. It is an honor to represent the 
district in which Water for South Sudan was founded.
  Water for South Sudan has exhibited immense devotion to the Sudanese 
population over its ten-year history, and has served 400,000 people to 
date. Not only does Water for South Sudan provide clean water to the 
world's youngest nation, the organization also works to alleviate 
poverty and rebuild communities in one of the most economically 
depressed nations in the world.
  Following a devastating twenty-year civil war, the South Sudanese 
were left without clean water and protection from deadly diseases, 
including malaria. With child mortality rates, poverty, and starvation 
at extreme highs, and educational levels and social and gender equality 
at extreme lows, there was a need for global action to help the South 
Sudanese people recover. When many only saw hopelessness in South 
Sudan, Salva Dut saw promise and stepped in to help lead his nation 
forward.
  At the young age of 11, Salva Dut was forced to leave his family and 
flee South Sudan in an effort to escape the outbreak of violence and 
destruction resulting from the civil war. Facing rapidly spreading 
diseases, hunger, and the threat of attack, Dut's strength led himself 
and others away from imminent danger. During this time Dut showed 
admirable leadership by helping 1,500 ``Lost Boys'' like himself reach 
a United Nations-regulated camp. After more than half a decade living 
there, he was finally able, along with 3,800 other Lost Boys, to come 
to America. Dut settled in the welcoming community of Rochester, NY and 
established the roots that would become Water for South Sudan.
  After being separated for 16 years, Dut was able to finally reconnect 
with his father in South Sudan in 2002. During that trip, he witnessed 
the devastating effects of parasite and disease-ridden water, as it 
took hold of his ill father. Dut then decided that he would dedicate 
his life to bringing clean water to the South Sudan region. This young 
man, who came to the United States with very little education and a 
language barrier, went on to become a college student, an American 
citizen, and the founder of one of the most respected charity 
organizations to date.
  I am very proud of Water for South Sudan, its founder Salva Dut, his 
dedicated staff, and the supportive residents of the 25th Congressional 
district. Instead of walking away, Salva Dut and Water for South Sudan 
have marched forward, meeting the dire need for sustainable and safe 
water for the South Sudanese.
  I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating, honoring, and 
thanking Water for South Sudan for its work. I am honored to represent 
an organization that inspires change on a global level.

                          ____________________