A survivor from Sudan
Deng's biography tells survival story though years of violence
Charlie Nickell
Issue date: 3/5/07 Section: Arts and Entertainment
"Humor is essential to life," said Valentino Achak Deng before a sold-out audience Sunday night during his discussion with Dave Eggers last Sunday. Finding humor has not come easily for Valentino; his biography, What is The What, written by author Dave Eggers, tells turbulent life tale of the Sudanese man . He shared his motivational story at the Hannaford Lecture Hall on the USM Portland campus. Born in the southern Sudan city of Marial Bai, Valentino spent his earliest years amidst violence and turmoil. Separated from his family at
age six, he began his life as a refugee, living in Ethiopian and Kenyan refugee camps for 13 years before finally arriving in the U.S. Despite endless struggle and adversity, Valentino has never stopped
asking, "How can I help?"From an early age, Valentino volunteered in refugee camps he lived in, organizing groups and activities intended to keep youths active and out of trouble. "A community that supports itself is the happiest community I know," Valentino said. "I do what I can to bring happiness." Throughout his residences in multiple refugee camps, Valentino was responsible for thousands of youths, creating arts and athletic programs to keep them busy. "Where do you find hope?" Valentino was asked by a member of the audience. "I don't have any extraordinary human characteristics or traits," he responded. "We have to take care of each other." Over the course of the book's three-year development, Dave and Valentino became good friends, traveling to Sudan in 2003 to reunite Valentino with his family, who he had not seen in 16 years.What Is The What is available in your local bookstore and all proceeds go to the Sudanese in need of help. Valentino is currently helping rebuild his native town; community centers, youth resources, a library, and sports programs are being developed now. To find out how you can help, check out Valentino's website, www.valentinoachakdeng.com.
age six, he began his life as a refugee, living in Ethiopian and Kenyan refugee camps for 13 years before finally arriving in the U.S. Despite endless struggle and adversity, Valentino has never stopped
asking, "How can I help?"From an early age, Valentino volunteered in refugee camps he lived in, organizing groups and activities intended to keep youths active and out of trouble. "A community that supports itself is the happiest community I know," Valentino said. "I do what I can to bring happiness." Throughout his residences in multiple refugee camps, Valentino was responsible for thousands of youths, creating arts and athletic programs to keep them busy. "Where do you find hope?" Valentino was asked by a member of the audience. "I don't have any extraordinary human characteristics or traits," he responded. "We have to take care of each other." Over the course of the book's three-year development, Dave and Valentino became good friends, traveling to Sudan in 2003 to reunite Valentino with his family, who he had not seen in 16 years.What Is The What is available in your local bookstore and all proceeds go to the Sudanese in need of help. Valentino is currently helping rebuild his native town; community centers, youth resources, a library, and sports programs are being developed now. To find out how you can help, check out Valentino's website, www.valentinoachakdeng.com.
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