Salva’s Visit to International School of Denver

Recently, our Founder and Chief Strategy Director, Salva Dut, visited the International School of Denver (ISDenver) alongside our Executive Director, Lynn Malooly. We asked Grade 4 Teacher Nadia Sobhani to share her school’s experiences participating in the 2023 Iron Giraffe Challenge and meeting Salva and Lynn. 

Continue reading to be awe-inspired! Thank you, Nadia and the entire ISDenver School Family, for being a part of our global community. 

At the International School of Denver, all fourth graders read A Long Walk to Water as part of our Sharing the Planet unit of inquiry. When the Grade 4 Spanish class finished reading the story in class, they were so touched and moved by it and by the work of Water for South Sudan that they immediately thought, “How can we help? How can we contribute?” 

Inspired by this incredible story, our class joined the Iron Giraffe challenge. On the same day we made the decision, students ran up to the parents and asked them, “Can we organize a lemonade stand? We need to raise funds for South Sudan”! The excitement was infectious! Within a few weeks, the class raised over $2,400 in various fundraising efforts spearheaded by the students themselves.

On May 19th, we were all waiting for the live drawing. All of us were saying, “We are not going to win.” We were nervous and excited at the same time. When Lynn Malooly was mixing the basket with the names of all the schools, we quieted down. When the winning school was picked, we heard Ms. Malooly say, “The International School of Denver”!!! Our class cheered so loudly that other teachers walked into the class to make sure we were okay! It was like an explosion of joy! We have it all on video! 

On September 13th, 2023, we had the great honor and privilege of hosting Salva Dut and Lynn Malooly at our school. The day was filled with joy and excitement. As Salva walked into the auditorium, our fourth and fifth-grade students cheered loudly and gave him a warm welcome. Salva’s presentation captivated the hearts of all with his stories of the people in South Sudan whose lives are transformed by the building of wells. As a token of our appreciation to Salva, students sang a beautiful song, You Can Count on Me, which brought tears of joy to many. 

Each session with the various groups of students had its own special moments: the fundraising class shared their inspiring and unique fundraising stories; the first through third graders heard Salva’s beautiful reading of Nya’s Long Walk; our Middle Schoolers were inspired by Salva’s experience on creating a non-profit organization; and finally the school community was fortunate enough to get their books signed by Salva himself. 

There’s so much we have learned from Salva’s visit. Kate, one of our students, reflected on her experience: “Salva’s visit had an impact on me because when I heard about his life, compared to ours, I realized how privileged we are. I need to appreciate what I have. I am so grateful for this fundraiser so I could meet Salva in person and learn from him!” Jude said: “I thought it was incredible that Salva went through so much heartache and challenges, and decided to spend his life giving back. He is one of the most humble heroes I have ever met!” 

Ashe reflected, “It was a good idea to build wells because it helps the villages. I am very happy Salva came to visit, and I hope ISD fundraises again.”

Salva’s final words for each group of students left a lasting impact on our school community. Salva said: “We are all one, let peace be at the center of our lives.” He concluded with a powerful message: “If you face any hardships, look forward. Keep walking and keep the faith.” 

Thank you, Salva and Lynn, from all of us at ISDenver! Salva, we hope that one day we will be able to visit your beautiful country of South Sudan!