A Story of Hope: The Journey of a Lost Boy of Sudan

This is a beautifully illustrated, poignant story about Deng Jongkuch on his harrowing journey as one of the Lost Boys of Sudan. With hope and courage, he survived many hardships such as walking over 1 year in the desert and nearly 14 years in refugee camps when he was displaced from his family and village during the Sudan Civil war. Proceeds from the sale of this book go to ImpactAVillage, Inc., a non-profit whose mission is to improve education and healthcare in rural villages in South Sudan and other communities around the world.

About Deng Ajak Jongkuch: Deng Jongkuch was born in South Sudan in the rural village of Gwalla. In 1987, when he was only five years old, he was separated from his family while his village came under attack by government soldiers. He ran from his village, joining over 30,000 other ＂Lost Boys of Sudan＂. He survived long, grueling walks to seek food and shelter in refugee camps, first in Ethiopia and then in Kenya. In 2001, after spending many years in the Kakuma refugee camp in Kenya, Deng was selected along with 3,800 other Lost Boys to go to the United States. Deng worked hard to support himself and receive an education, graduating from California State University-San Jose in 2008 and completing a Masters Degree in Public Health from Touro University. Deng went back to his village in the summer of 2005 when the civil war ended and was joyfully reunited with his mother and father after 18 years. He was dismayed to find his village in very poor condition. There were no roads, clean water or schools. He became passionately committed to raising awareness and helping re-build his and other villages in South Sudan. Deng helped start the non-profit corporation ImpactAVillage whose mission is to improve education in rural villages of South Sudan and other communities around the world. Deng received his United States citizenship in 2010. He is married to a Sudanese woman and has four children. About Lisa Frankel Wade: Lisa Wade is President of the Board of ImpactAVillage, Inc. and works closely with Deng Jongkuch to help build awareness and raise funds to improve education in South Sudan. She became interested in the plight of South Sudan after watching the documentary ＂God Grew Tired of Us＂ about the Lost Boys of Sudan.