A non-profit group that digs wells in South Sudan is launching a new fundraising campaign. Water for South Sudan was founded by Salva Dut, a Sudanese refugee who relocated to Rochester in the late 1990s.
"When I came to this country I never thought that I'd be working on the water completely. I was just looking for the refuge to make sure I'm safe and I've got an opportunity to improve my life."
When Dut started the organization in 2003, South Sudan was not yet an independent country. Dut says providing fresh clean water is pivotal to the success of the youngest nation in the world.
"We have great hope. I myself am hopeful that things will change, because, what we are doing, we are planting the seeds."
Water for South Sudan started with just one well, but now they have over 250 spread out across the East African country. (WXXI's Helene Biandudi traveled to South Sudan in 2013 to focus on that country's ties with Rochester, and a documentary was produced from that visit.)
The new campaign is called Water the Seeds of Change, and the goal is $1.5 million. Leaders say they have already reached half that in the quiet phase, but now now they are opening up fundraising to the public.
The intention is to use this money not just to update equipment and plan for more wells, but to expand their water sanitation efforts and hygiene education for people using the well. Dut, who was inspired to start Water for South Sudan after his father became sick from bacteria-ridden water, says water is the foundation and basis of life on this planet. He drew parallels to Flint, Michigan's current water crisis.
"We should be really taking good care of water and make sure each individual gets nice, clean water."
More than 30% of the people in South Sudan are without access to safe water.
The campaign kick-off coincides with World Water Day, a day set aside by the United Nations to raise awareness about water-related issues.
