From Inspiration to Action: Water Walk for South Sudan

By Whitney Truax

After immersing themselves in the powerful narrative of A Long Walk to Water by Sue Park, FWCD sixth-graders took to the Barrett Havran Track in Rosacker Stadium for a “water walk,” forging a tangible connection to the daily struggles faced by those in Sudan who lack access to clean water. The transformative experience, put together by Middle School English Teachers Shari Lincoln and Anne-Lise Knecht Woods ’85, galvanized the sixth grade class and raised more than $40,000 for the Iron Giraffe Challenge. This fundraising initiative encouraged schools to raise money to support the drilling of wells in South Sudan and exceeded all expectations.

Based on the true story of Salva Dut (in 1985) and a fictionalized Nya (in 2008), A Long Walk to Water intertwines their struggles in war-torn Sudan and the critical role access to clean water plays in their lives. Along his journey, Salva helps over 1,000 boys, known as The Lost Boys, get through Ethiopia and Kenya to better conditions. Nya sacrifices her education to ensure her family’s basic survival needs are met, and she navigates miles of treacherous terrain, often making multiple daily trips for clean water.

Salva eventually comes to the U.S. and is adopted by a family that provides him with opportunity. After college, he learns of his father’s illness caused by contaminated water. He reunites with his father and commits to improving water access in his homeland by establishing Water for South Sudan. The nonprofit’s mission is to provide fresh drinking water for all tribes in South Sudan. Since 2003, Water for South Sudan has drilled over 500 wells.

The book and the organization’s mission prompted Lincoln and Woods to support Salva’s important cause and engage in the Iron Giraffe Challenge, named for the giraffe because the animal symbolizes perseverance and strength. Schools set fundraising goals and participated in activities to raise awareness and funds for Water for South Sudan.

Asked to research how many miles people in South Sudan walk to get clean water, students learned that the average trip is four miles. The students then set personal goals for the water walk and asked family, friends and neighbors to pledge gifts for every lap completed. Most had goals of 16 laps to equal four miles. By simulating Salva and Nya’s journeys to fetch water, students gained an understanding of the challenges communities face without access to clean water, fostering empathy and a deeper appreciation for the book’s themes of resilience and survival.

Sixth-graders took to the Barrett Havran Track in Rosacker Stadium for a “water walk,” forging a tangible connection to the daily struggles faced by those in Sudan who lack access to clean water.

On April 5, each student grabbed two one-gallon water jugs (total weight was approximately 17 pounds) and walked the track. As students passed the starting line, teachers punched cards to track the number of laps completed. The students completed the four-mile walk in an hour. Some went above and beyond to walk 20 laps. As a result, the Class of 2029 raised $40,265.83, enough to drill two wells in South Sudan.

Student and teacher reflections were immediate. “Students shared that they felt empowered,” Lincoln said. “A lot said it felt nice to do something as a kid to make the world better.” Woods added, “We talked about how they are making a huge impact in the lives of the villagers throughout this initiative.”

The Falcons also supported their community, donating 135 jugs of water to the Presbyterian Night Shelter. And the story doesn’t end there. FWCD raised the most money of any school by more than $15,000, earning the class a video chat in the fall with Salva himself.

Lincoln and Woods look forward to enhancing and continuing the experience. A resounding success, the water walk is a testament to the power of empathy, education and community engagement.