Author, Survivor John Bul Dau Discusses Leadership
Imagine having to flee your home as a young child because of the horrific genocide happening in your country. John Bul Dau, born in Sudan, used the extreme hardship of his youth to change his life and become a voice for the people still suffering in his homeland.
Dau, survivor, author, motivational speaker and founder of the John Dau Foundation, presents “Journey to Leadership” at 8 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 28 in the Remick Heritage Center. Admission is free and open to the public.
John Bul Dau
“John Bul Dau has suffered challenges that most of us don't want to even imagine, but he has not allowed those challenges to embitter him,” says Alma College Chaplain Carol Gregg, who is coordinating Dau’s visit to Alma College. “Dau has turned the challenges into tremendous motivation to work for the improvement of his homeland. His leadership is inspirational.”
Having survived the genocide of his homeland after fleeing his village and becoming one of the thousands of “Lost Boys of Sudan,” Dau began to bring groups of young boys across Sudan while facing the hardships of hunger, violence and disease. He has seen young people die under terrible circumstances, but he has taken his experiences in life and turned them into positive actions to help those who are still suffering.
“While those who attend the lecture will learn about the Sudan and its history, they will be inspired by Dau's story to make a difference in their own communities in their own way,” says Gregg. “All of us can contribute to improving our world, and Dau's example is remarkable in this regard.”
At the age of 17, during his time in a Kenyan refugee camp, Dau was able to attend school where he received his Kenyan Certificate for Secondary Education, which allowed him to be selected to immigrate to the United States. He moved to Syracuse, N.Y., where he was able to work and eventually earn an associate’s degree.
The John Dau Foundation provides medical assistance to people in Sudan. He has also founded three other non-profit organizations, including The Sudanese Lost Boys Foundation of Central New York, that together have raised more than $700,000 to build a medical clinic in his home village.
Along with his public lecture, Dau will give a workshop for religious and community leaders called “Working for Change” at 2 p.m. Sept. 28 in Jones Auditorium. He also will visit with Alma College students during his visit to campus.
Posted: Tue, September 20th, 2011 at 4:41PM
