Gabriel Bol Deng
Educator, Humanitarian, Social Entrepreneur and Inspirational Speaker
For nearly ten years, Gabriel Bol Deng has spoken to groups of schoolchildren, college students and adults about my experiences as a Lost Boy of Sudan. I have spoken about many topics, including life inside a refugee camp, the importance of resilience in children, and the challenges and rewards of trying to build schools and…
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For nearly ten years, Gabriel Bol Deng has spoken to groups of schoolchildren, college students and adults about my experiences as a Lost Boy of Sudan. I have spoken about many topics, including life inside a refugee camp, the importance of resilience in children, and the challenges and rewards of trying to build schools and dig wells in a country where clean water and education are equally scarce.
Many times after one of my talks, several people will approach me to ask if I have written a book. After I speak, people have so many questions. Many of the people who hear me speak want to know more details about my story, and in particular, more about my decision to return to my native village of Ariang and to face the overwhelming challenges of building better lives for the people who live there.
Underneath these questions about logistics is one other question: What is the true hope for Ariang? I think people want to know if a few new schools, some wells and some books will really change anything in a country that is so new and that lacks so many things. If I could, I would spend hours answering questions about how a new generation of educated young people will build stronger communities and participate in the country’s nation building.
Instead, I have decided to write a book that will answer these questions and explain why there is hope for Ariang and for all of South Sudan. There have been so many books written about the Lost Boys and about the decades of conflict in Sudan. This will be the first book to describe the monumental effort to build a new nation of South Sudan, but told through the lens of my own struggle to build a school for the children of Ariang village.
My personal history of survival will be woven in throughout the narrative, but the focus of the book will be from 2007 until the present, with my effort to build the school mirroring the country’s efforts to move toward lasting peace and sustainable development in a still-precarious situation.
Testimonials
Ernie was perfect for our Elders Conference at Little River Casino Resort in Manistee, Michigan. We will definitely be using PDA again!
LITTLE RIVER BAND OF OTTAWA INDIANS
Our speaker was great and the crowd enjoyed her! She was very engaging. Thank you again PDA for the great list of suggestions!
MEDTRONIC
Everything went great! and our speaker was wonderful! Thank you so much for all your help PDA! Looking forward to the next one.
UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI – KANSAS CITY
I hope that this message finds you well. We had a phenomenal time with Atsuko this past Thursday. We wanted to just let you know how amazing she was. All those that were in attendance thoroughly enjoyed her and had nothing but amazing things to say about her. Thank you for working with us to make sure this happened!
BAYLOR UNIVERSITY CAMPUS
We had a fantastic day with Inge! She was very engaging with all those that attended. Her personal stories about the holocaust were very special and we were moved that she was willing to share them with everyone. Thank you again, PDA for all your hard work and dedication to make this program such a success!
SALT LAKE COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Dear PDA Group, Thank you so much for your hard work in scheduling our speaker! From the moment we reached out to you the first time, you worked with us on all details and logistics and kept us up-to-date on the progress. Thank you for all your hard work on making our event such a success! We couldn't have done it without you and your team!
SAP COMPANY
Thank you again, Dr. Kimbrough, for a great presentation, our attendees are still talking about it!
CAMPUS LABS
Dr. Henry Lee's presentation was entertaining, insightful and wise. I, and everyone at Pfizer, especially appreciate the remarks you directed about following your passion and preparing yourself to excel. Thank you, everyone, at PDA for helping to make this happen!
PFIZER
The event was successful! I received many messages expressing how awesome, outstanding and inspiring Ms. Webb-Christburg's speech was."
DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. MEMORIAL BREAKFAST, BOSTON, MLK SPEAKER
Everything went well. Atsuko was very easy to work with and the students enjoyed her performance! Thank you again for your recommendation and I hope to work with you again in the future!
CENTRAL MICHIGAN UNIVERSITY
Dr. Novello left this morning after a very successful event on our campus! Thank you PDA Group for your help from the first phone to the last you were with us every step of the way.
GRAND VALLEY STATE UNIVERSITY
Jordan Carlos was very very entertaining! A majority of students who answered the event survey indicated they really enjoyed Jordan and definitely will bring him back!
WESTERN CAROLINA UNIVERSITY
On behalf of myself and my organization Entertainment Unlimited the Campus Programming Board of Ferris State University, we thank you PDA and Dan for a successful event!! Dan was magnificent! Students really enjoyed the presentation. I know I did. Can't wait to bring in more programs with PDA Group.
FERRIS STATE UNIVERSITY
It was a great pleasure to work with PDA Group! The communication was always prompt, friendly and helpful. We loved the speakers and events we booked through Mr. Peter Walker (PDA Group).
WESTERN MICHIGAN UNIVERSITY
Thank you, Peter, for all your help, you'll be happy to know that the event went incredibly well! Aneesa Ferreira was by far one of the best speakers we've ever had!
FURMAN UNIVERSITY
Topics
A Conversation With Gabriel Bol Deng
Videos
The power of hope to move a mountain: Gabriel Bol Deng at BergenCommunityCollege
Books
News
Testimonials
Gabriel’s message is particularly relevant to our anti-bullying movement for two reasons. First, a focus on resiliency is important to any bullying prevention. Second, as our students are taught, genocide like that in Sudan is simply bullying being played out on a much grander and more horrific scale (there are bullies, bystanders, etc.) Witnessing Gabriel’s resilience and empowerment in the face of such violence is illuminating to our children and our community as a whole.
Christine Guthery, Esq., Founder, Natick Parents against Bullying & Cyberbullying.
Gabriel’s motivation and optimism were remarkable. He not only survived separation from his family, war and other hardships, but he has become a tremendously dedicated activist for the people of Sudan. His presentation was captivating, but moreover his unique insights and knowledge that he shared were inspiring and allowed for intellectual conversion among University of Dayton students and faculty.
Kata Lucas, Diversity Lecture Series Board, University of Dayton
Gabriel gave us much to reflect upon and several people in attendance have spoken of a thought he imparted or an idea he shared. What a gracious, courageous and articulate gentleman he is, who challenged all of us to be better people and get involved in our world.
Sue Tronco, Student Activities, University of Northern Colorado
Our evening with Gabriel was both powerful and inspiring. His story captivated the Cedar Crest College audience, and left both students and other campus community members thirsty for more of Gabriel’s memories of the South Sudan. After the presentation, Gabriel was gracious in answering questions and engaged with students in conversation. Those who attended Gabriel’s presentation, The Power of Hope, couldn’t thank me enough for bringing Gabriel to our campus. I can’t thank Gabriel enough for being such an outstanding guest.
Kelly Ann Murray, Residence Life Coordinator & Coordinator of, International and Diversity Programs, Cedar Crest College
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