In Memoriam of Dut Ariik Mawien

With a heavy heart, Water for South Sudan announces the passing of Salva Dut’s father, Dut Ariik Mawien—the inspiration for Water for South Sudan’s founding in 2003. It was in their home village that Salva drilled the very first WFSS well. Following a short illness at the end of February of this year, Salva’s father passed away peacefully with his family nearby.

Dut Ariik Mawien’s role in the founding of WFSS goes back to 1985, when the civil war between Sudan and South Sudan reached the home village of Salva’s family. Just 11 years old at the time, Salva was separated from his father—and his entire family—as he fled to safety. Salva’s journey as a “walking boy” led him to trek thousands of miles from Southern Sudan to the safety of a refugee camp in Ethiopia, and again, four years later, from Ethiopia to Kenya, where he stayed another six years in the Kakuma Refugee Camp, until he came to the US as a refugee in 1996.

Left-Salva Dut, Right- Dut Ariik Mawien

Salva’s miraculous reunion with his father in 2001 at a UN clinic in Southern Sudan led to his desire to drill a well for his father in their home village. Salva was inspired to bring clean water to his father, who was gravely ill from drinking contaminated water. After seeing the reaction from community members at the sight of fresh water, Salva was moved to start Water for South Sudan in 2003, and drilled the first well in 2005 in their family village of Akok.

Dut Ariik Mawien lived 16 more years after that first well was drilled. The mission that was first inspired by his critical need for clean water has resulted in nearly 500 wells drilled thus far.

“WFSS joins our worldwide community in sending our heartfelt condolences to Salva and his family on Dut Ariik Mawien’s passing,” says WFSS Executive Director Lynn Malooly. “WFSS is pleased to announce that we will drill another well in his honor, at an additional location near his home village, to honor his life and memory.”

The seeds of change, which began with the very first well in 2005, will continue to blossom for the people of South Sudan.

If you would like to contribute to funding a new well in Dut Ariik Mawien’s honor, please click here.