Jacob Deng, founder of Wadeng Wings of Hope an honoured guest during our Thanksgiving Day Assembly
October 2009

Mr. Jacob Deng, founder of the non- profit organization, Wadeng Wings of Hope was Bedford Academy's honoured guest during our recent Thanksgiving Day Assembly. The registered charity Wadeng Wings of Hope exists in order to make a difference in the lives of people in Southern Sudan, first of all to the people in and around the village of Duk Padiet in the state of Jonglei, and then to people in the surrounding county. Jacob Deng's involvement with this region is personal, as he was born there, and left at the age of seven as one of the Lost Boys of Sudan. Jacob spent fifteen years living in refugee camps in Kenya and Ethiopia after witnessing the violent destruction of his Sudanese village, Duk Padiet. As a small child, his mother often offered encouragement and hope by saying "wadeng," which means, "Look to the future- it will be better". Mr. Deng shared with the gathered Academy families about the success of the Brick by Brick program, a branch of Wadeng Wings of Hope, which will help build a school, enabling the people of southern Sudan to create a better future for their children, through education. During his presentation, Mr. Deng shared stories of his journey, which was fuelled with his incredible determination. Bedford Academy families contributed to this wonderful program through donations to this worthwhile children's cause. The Academy students were asked to donate $5.00 each, which resulted in Mr Deng being presented with a cheque from Bedford Academy in the amount of $1800.00 along with a ceremonial first brick engraved with the message,

Wadeng, look to the future, it will get better

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