I Kept Walking | Salva Dut | TEDxYouth@BeaconStreet

Salva Dut was one of the "Lost Boys of Sudan”. At 11 years old he was forced out of his village by the civil war between north and south in Sudan. He and thousands of other boys walked thousands of miles across the desert, facing attacks by lions, crocodiles and soldiers, and death by starvation and lack of water. Salva found his way to refugee camps where he lived for ten years. Eventually he was resettled in the US, where he started the nonprofit organization Water for South Sudan, which has been drilling water wells in South Sudan for over 10 years. Salva shares how with faith, hope and persistence he kept walking throughout his life. This allowed him to accomplish a great deal, and he encourages all to keep walking, even in the face of great challenges.
After Sudan’s civil war in 1985, many fled. Among those who fled through barren, war-torn southern desert were 17,000 children, mostly boys, some as young as five. They became known as “The Lost Boys of Sudan.” Salva Dut was one of those boys. As an 11-year old Dinka from southwest Sudan, Salva fled first to Ethiopia. Then later, as a teenager, he led 1,500 “Lost Boys” thousands of miles through the Southern Sudan desert to the Kakuma refugee camp in Kenya. Only 1,000 survived.
This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at ted.com/tedx

[@anqthema]

I read "A Long Walk To Water" It was a very good book. I respect you Salva

[@camothunder7129]

anathema x yes

[@cotton9606]

Mhm

[@lores9212]

So good

[@Johnnyd333]

its a great book

[@zaprr]

My teacher is reading it to our class

[@miashoun4596]

anyone else read “ a long walk to water” at school?

[@rebeccagalbraith5716]

Mia Shoun me

[@froggykarma9692]

Mia Shoun me

[@aycxia3065]

Lol Corona

[@microsoftpowerpoint3039]

yes, literally everyone else is asking this question :/

[@returnofcxmp7422]

Forreal we had to but It wasn't bad

[@happycookiezz1920]

A Long Walk To Water made me realize how grateful I should be.

[@laurasalebe9441]

we all think that

[@uhlowsuh]

exactly

[@big3584]

Same. Such a heart moving book ❤️

[@도루하는이대호]

This man should win a peace prize.

[@hyleechloe12]

I agree

[@Ashley-tf7zz]

I was shook when nya met salva when salva had installed the well for Nya’s village At the end. That shook me hard xD

[@meltedgrenade749]

Movaixs “XD” tf

[@emiliecosme3990]

Did u know that the story of nya wasn’t a true story

[@tcha999]

Nya was fake and made up

[@heyppl585]

Me too lol

[@partypoison3741]

Wow you had to spoil it

[@kat1371]

It was such an inspirational book I cried of all the deaths and I respect salva for being so determined and never giving up 😭👏

[@willpepper1572]

Kaya __ same

[@yeetyeet3763]

Me to

[@Alexander-km2jo]

So many deaths.......OUCH! Painful. I cried too, me being only 9.

[@-shadow-835]

Yesss

[@Tucosifo]

[@randombrandon8432]

I wonder if he still misses Marial 😔

[@thomasiscool6512]

Random Brandon I’m sorry to say this but Mariel was a fictional character that the author made up.

[@chupacabra9357]

@@thomasiscool6512 Is that actually true? I want to think it is, but I don't know for sure.

[@huangqiusheng5867]

@@chupacabra9357 It is

[@toastyskittle8398]

R.I.P Marial killed by a lion

[@toastyskittle8398]

@@huangqiusheng5867 wait seriously

[@samanthatrombly7272]

We are starting the book A Long Walk To Water in our school and our homework is to watch this a note from my future self to my past self: no one cares

[@zac8707]

Same! 😅

[@jimbo5223]

We just finished the book in class

[@fluentinfilm3233]

Same!!

[@WeLoveSabby]

Lucky I have to do work for it

[@missdarnae6014]

Same

[@DominatorBuilder]

I expected his voice to be a lot deeper.

[@flyboyguyxxxgamingyt3882]

Parish ya right

[@jigglypandaman2498]

I high fived Salva Dut today :D

[@deimosbf1805]

@@jigglypandaman2498 how, I'm jealous D:

[@camothunder7129]

Parish really?

[@microsoftpowerpoint3039]

y

[@thepatriotduck689]

I remember when his uncle was killed by Nuer tribesmen. right in front of him. :(

[@littlefakebites5515]

The Patriot Duck yeah and the part where his friend got eaten by the lion

[@beavis4011]

And when he stepped on his freinds hand

[@eleni1854]

Yeah... he's been through a lot

[@derekb6728]

And when they were chased into the river

[@kkmayhan2540]

His uncle was actually killed by the southern rebels in the book, I’m reading a long walk to water for school, and I just finished that chapter

[@lilbumiii5894]

I wish I could meet this man.

[@camothunder7129]

ThicccMaccツ yea duh

[@blankblank5409]

Camo Thunder wtf

[@lilbumiii5894]

Camden Dragone damn I said this 2 years ago I forgot about this comment😂

[@xanlovesyou5366]

@@lilbumiii5894 dam

[@mukbangsmorewithjay240]

@@lilbumiii5894 its been 4 now😭

[@fandomsrandoms]

For my Honors ELA class, our teacher made us read this book, take quizzes on it, and make hundreds of notes. Today, on October 26, 2023, we finished reading the last chapter at the exact same time since our teacher was reading the last chapter aloud so we could have the same moment together. The gasp and whoops and tears of joy at the line, "I am happy to meet you, Nya," he said. "My name is Salva." was the highlight of my whole school life.

[@ethano512]

If you want to know more about Salva, read the book "A Long Walk to Water" It was a an amazing book of Salva Dut's story.

[@camothunder7129]

memethan yea

[@owenmulder6286]

i read it, its good

[@Maplinecoded]

Yes 🎉

[@teenkwanzi]

Salva's daughter is in the same school and class as me. Such a lovely girl and man. I really feel for what happend to him after reading the book. Such a good book, such a sad story.

[@tylerwei4363]

wow

[@Lifewitholivia89]

That's very cool!!

[@_w_1835]

Fr??

[@teenkwanzi]

yeah, but I don't think I should say her name for privacy reasons.@@_w_1835

[@hanglingna1]

Her name?

[@thepatriotduck689]

A Long walk to water? Anyone???

[@jatininti6153]

Yes that book is amazing

[@stacyfry-uh7gw]

Yes

[@shirleyconstantino3222]

Did anyone else realize the background? They are cups, bowls, and plates. 😂😂

[@abbyp5730]

Shirley Constantino ya

[@abbyp5730]

I thought I was the only person that seen

[@charmaineframe7382]

I just noticed that 🤣🤣🤣🤣😂😂😂🤣

[@camothunder7129]

Shirley Constantino oh yea!! GOOD eyes mate

[@toybaworku7339]

What?

[@stefanmanonog]

I just finished the book A Long Walk To Water. I am very proud to what Salva has done and I hope his inspiration will be heard for the seeking

[@Ted538M88]

I'm five years late but the ONLY reason I looked this up was because of the book. I almost cried when I found out it was a true story

[@loganviniskey7910]

He never talks about Mariel

[@chupacabra9357]

Ikr, he should have

[@kate4877]

Mariel might have been fictional, as it was BASED on a true story which means some parts were fictionalized, it has to captivate the audience, after all.

[@frylocklover]

If he were to talk about his best friend getting eaten by a lion he would get very uncomfortable, I know I would. Also, Mariel could be fake as well since this was based on a true story. And even if Mariel was real they would probably tell him to not talk about that because it will probably traumatize the younger audience.

[@abbyp5730]

Night Gamer ya bc he’s dead

[@NarutoUzumaki-hc5ml]

RIGHT

[@cezlla1925]

Is it just me, or is the audio only on the left side?

[@tarry22__79]

Yup

[@infiniteuniverse8817]

it's not just you

[@Harry-xb2xn]

its only left

[@antssoutheast3509]

Mine is only right

[@drews6737]

Nah he right

[@zoe-ne6ux]

I feel bad for all the people in Sudan and other places 😞

[@giannanakimera7395]

Yeah :/ I feel very bad for the people in Sudan who died in the war

[@Waylonjuras]

My teacher read a book to me in class. It was very moving and really taught my class to be thankful that we have all that we have. I mean he almost died trying to cross the river from Ethiopia to Sudan, and then walked a year and a half to Kenya. The book is called "A Long Walk to Water."

[@lpsblueskyz0997]

when i was in 4th grade i read this book and it's so so so sad i just makes you think about how your life compared to other peoples is heaven and it's sad to think about......... SALVA your amazing this speech is beautiful SALVA you are awesome 😊.......

[@RaySMPNotOfficial]

@JAYLA ROSS Me 2 lmfaooooo

[@des1m0nt]

The end of "A Long Walk To Water" made me cry at how Salva really made a change for the world but yet so little is done for it.

[@maryannealuzzo4160]

A long walk to water made me realize I should be grateful

[@dominicdrury8949]

18 people do not have hearts

[@pazuzu126]

I just finished reading A Long Walk to Water. What an amazing book, moved me to tears!

[@whiterice5786]

"Just walk to that Bush" that will stay in my head forever

[@RashidBros]

Why did Salva's life have to be so hard and tough and sad and emotional and there is a lot of other words to describe Salva's life back then when he was a child. 😭😭😭

[@shani9781]

I can't believe this is actually happening in the world.....I read the book numorous times...but i-i cried its so different to hear it in his own words....its so inspiring! Salva dut Ariik if you are watching this you and thousands of other young men are amazingly brave,kind,and stupendously noble.Salva if you end up scrolling through these comments please read mine. I want to show you my appreciation towards you. thank you for your bravey sincerely,Shani your biggest fan

[@biancawansley2553]

You are a good human. A long walk to water will always be a book in my heart.

[@diischarge]

Who else read the book " A Long Walk To Water" its heartbreaking my teacher almost cried lol she teared up

[@sophiadesselle8802]

WOW

[@dhyde7723]

I loves when Salva and Nya met at the end! Who agrees with me?!!?

[@elenabobena5714]

yesss i was so surprised and happy

[@claireabrahams1218]

yesss!!! but nya isnt real :I

[@burningwolf_9679]

Even though the last few pages of the ending were fictional, I still loved the ending

[@Rigby86]

It's sad that Nya isn't real..

[@debrakelly4505]

Thank you for speaking out on behalf of South Sudan ~ I pray for this country daily~

[@nerdstory6135]

We’re reading “A Long Walk To Water” in school!!!💙

[@tahboogie7318]

Salva is a pure man of endurance

[@Yoon-qi8yt]

He is a great survivor! So many things to learn and admire from him

[@ravenscrazylifeforever3091]

I read the book "A Long Walk To Water" when I was in seventh grade

[@NyxVortex1]

I am in 7th grade

[@karinabaizhanova1839]

I read "A Long Walk To Water" and I understand the determination and sacrifice from Salva!

[@TyBenkula-m6l]

i feel so bad for you salva. the things you had to go through your an amazing person. i could never do that.

[@xlverrx4681]

I read the long walk to water that is the best book ive ever read in my life I love it. God bless Salva and South Sudan and Ethiopia . like if u read the book I just wanna see how many people have read this amazing book. ❤❤❤❤

[@aliyahmarquez1257]

I read this book in school and it shows me that even if u want to give up your not going to because u want to live every second of your life salva is an inspiration to me because he wanted to go back so many times but he didn't because he wanted to survive

[@lai4482]

I just finished reading the book a long walk to water so emotional 😭 you go salva!!!

[@owenmulder6286]

the book is so goodd

[@AbotDell]

What a great book long walk to water Can’t believe your uncle was killed by the nuer tribe I have so much respect for you salva and sorry for what you went through

[@eastonwalkerr]

Salva, you are such an inspiring person in this world. I read your book written by Linda Sue Park, and you never give up. That is the commitment that I like in people. I love that your dream was to get back with your family. You have proved to me that if you believe in your dreams, you can achieve them. Your determination is an inspiration to EVERYBODY. If someone out there thinks they can have more determination, I would like to see them try. That's because no one is more determined to do ANYTHING, than you. And what's really inspiring is that, you take your experiences, and help other people suffering in South Sudan that suffer from a lack of water. I think that a lot of people would agree with me. Sincerely, Easton Walker

[@pikathekat0824]

The respect I have for this man from is story in A Long Walk to Water all the way to know giving this talk is so great💯 R.I.P Uncle and Marial

[@L.is.tired33]

A long walk to water anyone? It’s one of my favorites! Salva’s story is so inspiring! It was an amazing book, if you have not read it I recommend reading it!

[@penguineallen5719]

I respect salva a lot he is a amazing hard working person and I'm happy he found his dad and sad he lost his friend and uncle.

[@r8zergrill50]

I remember reading long walk to water like year ago in class and my teacher showed us this Ted talk after we finished the book and I always find myself coming back because this is literally my favorite Ted talk

[@louloulauren508]

What school??

[@nic581]

his story is incredible, its amazing he survived.

[@ram-wolf8002]

The 103 dislikes were people so moved they couldn't see the like button through their tears.

[@cjcabonargi]

Lol

[@Zapleaf-ef2fl]

Lol​@@aleshakhan

[@jeffydoughnut7021]

Great job! I am from Barrington New Hampshire and we just read a long walk to water and now are raising money!

[@vxrxdiana2249]

I’m reading this book rn with my class I’m on chapter 15 and it’s amazing Salvas story is amazing he’s a living legend

[@samanthaschutz6375]

Légèrement en tête à

[@kpreddy1978]

Did anyone else notice that lady crying? I feel her :)

[@kpreddy1978]

9:52

[@texanpearson1473]

2nd best book ever. just behind wonder

[@stefanmanonog]

I love wonder it used to be my #1 book but I think it still is tho

[@amelia-nv6li]

@@korben369 wonder

[@minnaahmed48]

Omg I was just thinking that

[@munaahmed1164]

I didnt really like wonder no offense

[@ethanambuehl]

Wonder gang be lit

[@sharkula.1]

My school raised some money for Water for South Sudan! We did it in penny wars where we could bring in pennies to get our team more points. Silver coins means less points for the other team! It was really fun, and in total we raised about $470 dollars.

[@maryged6624]

Omg his dad❤❤❤😭😭😭

[@BrooksWalser]

A long walk to water was an amazing masterpiece and I cried over all the deaths especially his uncle's death and marial

[@xocheer1490]

I'm reading the book right now in my 7th grade I love it

[@Xerkies]

XOchEEr14 Walsh?

[@xocheer1490]

Xerkies no

[@Xerkies]

XOchEEr14 I'm reading it in the same grade

[@Nadianikita77]

Same

[@thepatriotduck689]

Same man!

[@rat5800]

I read the book. It was so eye-opening. Thank you Salva for all you’ve done, you’re an inspiration to me.

[@harley8021]

2020 anyone?

[@antssoutheast3509]

Me

[@kaleastudiosofficial]

2023 here

[@chupacabra9357]

I respect how good his English is after living so long in Africa.

[@rynsuki3895]

I read the book before watching this video and at first I thought I would hate it but I kept reading and I couldn’t stop my class was being very slow with reading the book but I was so excited about the book I read ahead and before I knew it I had finished the book and I remember how happy I was that I gave that book a chance *i literally just read the book a couple of days ago* it was so good the author did such a amazing job and salva Is such a good man I love walk to water it’s such a good book.

[@crustyfingienails9804]

Just finished reading "A long walk to water"

[@ravenwing6872]

I loved the book and I just got to the ending. My friend and I's hearts broke. I don't want to give spoliers bu I suggest everyone reads it. Its AMAZING. :D

[@ravenwing6872]

I know! I just finished the book. His Uncle's death is so sad. I loved how they met up in the end! Its a great book! Salva is a hero.

[@nevaehdwyer6917]

Raven Wing I loved it!!!

[@nevaehdwyer6917]

Rikka IsHere I felt bad because he saw his uncle die right in front of him

[@ravenwing6872]

He shouldn't have to see something like that, but it made him stronger as a person and helped him keep walking.

[@ravenwing6872]

Glad you liked it! :)

[@btwthblood]

My son and I read his book. "A long walk to water" we cried through the entire book.

[@adrianmartinez9446]

I wonder if he misses Marial and his uncle

[@shay-lioz9125]

Marial is fictional

[@thamcook7376]

I just finished reading the book "A Long Walk To Water". This is amazing book of Salva's story.

[@simplyM00NW0LF]

Same!

[@tony.2902]

I'm reading the book.

[@zacharyarnold7836]

The book is amazing so is his life, he went trough things i never thought was possible, but he keep walking

[@thefragwarrior]

i just read the book and the ending was like WTF the 2 tribes united all those years

[@chupacabra9357]

A Long Walk to Water should get a film adaptation soon. So people know this unknown war.

[@manasaprasad1616]

100th like ! wot woot! I loved this video and this book

[@rafaelinahidalgo4847]

U have 61 likes

[@hello.5624]

Our school had a Book Club at school. I wanted to read The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle or something like that, but this book was REALLY good!

[@wafflemaker4922]

Who else heard “I did not know how to microwave my laundry”

[@destinykelley4290]

MEEE I thought he said "like how you microwave your laundry" I was like well in that case I've been doing laundry so wrong

[@Rigby86]

Microwave laundry 🧺 😂

[@Astr_0l_0gy.]

I’ve read this and it was every good to hear the story of Bol Aweng. A lot boy of the war. I hope i get to meet of one of the lost boys someday.

[@shmavezz]

RIP Marial❤😭

[@alexandrayaroshook5864]

I like the part when uncle says we only have to go to the bush to those rocks etc.

[@cjcabonargi]

Yesssss same

[@generalwinfieldhancock8239]

that was my favorite part as well!

[@Rigby86]

That was only a bit before he died 😭

[@elaineoliveira5893]

💝 acabei de ler o livro sobre sua história Salva Dut e senti enorme vontade de lhe conhecer! Vc é um ser iluminado que faz a diferença. Parabéns! 🙏🏽💝🍀

[@quinn3099]

Im still wondering about his toe...

[@gaewynhaioti5012]

Thank you for sharing your story - inspirational indeed.

[@gooshiemayne8764]

only the left headphone anyone?

[@Ch3rryBl0ss0m]

I felt bad for all of the deaths but salva is strong to keep walking and the end shocked me i was the first to finish out of everyone i loved the book and salvas story :)

[@sanguinelinguine]

The dumb dude at 9:09 texting on his phone. I mean Seriously?!?

[@chupacabra9357]

He probably got bored or was posting on social media that he was at a TED Talks speech.

[@salihabenidjer1432]

Salva kept walking and overcame his problems he had hope and never gave up

[@juju7967]

I read the book and it’s honestly amazing

[@LilJollyJoker]

Back in 2017, when I was in 7th grade, I read a Long Walk To Water for school.

[@evelynmichelin5327]

i'm reading this rn

[@CursedbyRaven]

PandaKitty AJ i just finished it

[@emmacarlock1543]

@@CursedbyRaven same

[@nukeborne2205]

I love the book: long walk to water!!!!!!!! I'm so happy for him that he made it out alive💜

[@queenmagentacat]

Anyone else want to knock down the cups plates and bowls in the back?

[@arlinegeorge6967]

Just wanted a ordinary living. No choice, Just keep walking. Just do it. Great great soul. Very very inspiring. Thank you, bless you. All your dreams come true.

[@maryged6624]

This is so inspiring 👏👏👏

[@pikahcheww]

I'm so grateful... I read a long walk to water and it put me in perspective

[@A_literal_zombie]

I read a long walk to water and at the time had thought it to be realistic fiction of course I knew the events were true and other people faced the same things as salva but to think that someone actually had to go through all this is heartbreaking

[@abbylmao509]

our class read A Long Walk To Water in school and our homework is this! Salva has gone through so much!!

[@elonmusksarmpit2424]

SALVA IS REAL!!!! I read a long walk to water in ELA class

[@alexakvick8504]

Ducky I did top

[@user-vd5rh6lb7r]

I am reading him and it is a very sad book btw I live near him I wish I can even meet him one day! My teacher has met the author and I want to meet the author and Salva. Salva I am sorry that your uncle died from the men and I wished that never ever happened. Your uncle was great and it was so bad that your group didn’t give you anything. ☹️ Now you are my inspiration to keep pushing myself to my limits and many more people.

[@96honcho]

That guys face at 6:15

[@masonwhipple7834]

H3nry 1336 I was waiting for someone to say this

[@evanhinkley7957]

I just met this guy in rochester. Really nice person.

[@kelsylatronica1978]

Hey Slava me and my school Signal Knob Middle School we love your book keep on the good work

[@violet-chan1035]

A Long Walk to Water included this man. His uncle was such a good person. I wonder if Nya is still alive, I haven’t finished the book yet

[@freddypedraza2066]

Damn it spoilers I was in chapter 13 :(

[@camothunder7129]

Freddy Pedraza awww so sad

[@diegosoto9998]

Sad 😞

[@r4innyd4y91]

You had three more chapters you were almost there. 🥺🥺

[@MariaSanchez-dm3te]

Same

[@laurasalebe9441]

@@r4innyd4y91 no he was the one that i read was of 18 chapers