The John Dau Foundation, also known as John Dau Sudan Foundation,[1] is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that was established in July 2005 to develop health facilities that currently do not exist for most of the populations of Duk, Twic East and Bor South Counties in the State of Jonglei in South Sudan. Its mission is to "transform healthcare in South Sudan." Currently, the organization's primary focus is on funding and overseeing the Duk Lost Boys Clinic. The Duk Lost Boys Clinic specializes in the treatment of diseases such as guinea worm disease, malaria, chicken pox, diarrhea, malnourishment, bilharzias, h-worm, kalazar; the immunization of other diseases; and the provision of maternity services. The foundation was originally headquartered in Syracuse, New York.[2]
 | |
| Founded | 2005 |
|---|---|
| Founder | John Dau |
| Type | International Health Charity |
| Focus | Health, HIV, Maternal Health |
| Location |
|
| Origins | Lost Boys of Sudan |
Area served | South Sudan |
| Method | Healthcare |
Key people | President John Dau |
| Employees | 200 |
| Website | www |
John Dau
editJohn Dau also known as Dhieu Deng Leek is the founder and president of the John Dau Foundation. Dau is a survivor of the civil war in South Sudan and part of the exodus of the Lost Boys of Sudan who were forced to flee their families and homeland.[2] Dau was featured in the award-winning documentary God Grew Tired of Us in 2006 which won the Grand Jury Prize and the Audience Award at the 2006 Sundance Film Festival.[3] Dau currently lives in Richmond, Virginia.
Ties to the government of South Sudan
editJohn Dau has strong ties to local governmental officials in South Sudan. His uncle, Philip Thon Leek, who was a governor of the State of Jongeli and is now a Minister of Transport in the Government of National Unity, has been instrumental in providing contacts and support from the natives, Tribal Chiefs and the Sudanese Peoples Liberation Movements and its Health Ministry. The foundation has received various commitments and support from the local government, however, it relies significantly on private donors and NGO funding.[2]
American Care for Sudan Foundation
editIn June 2008, the American Care for Sudan Foundation announced that it would merge with the John Dau Foundation as its operational wing. American Care was formed initially under the leadership of John Dau and the dedication and hard work of a group of members of the First Presbyterian Church of Skaneateles to build the Duk Lost Boys Clinic in Duk Payuel, South Sudan in early 2007.[4]
Notable contributions
editNotable contributions to the Duk Lost Boys Clinic and John Dau Foundation include $100,000 donated by Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie (the Jolie-Pitt Foundation) in 2006;[5] $50,000 by the Allyn Family of Welch Allyn in 2006; $25,000 by Volvo in 2008; and $100,000 by United Technologies Corporation in 2008.[6]
References
edit- ^ "SeQual Donates POCs to Sudan Clinic". Hme-business.com. March 13, 2009. Retrieved 27 June 2019.
- ^ a b c "John Dau Foundation". John Dau Foundation Website. Retrieved 15 June 2009.
- ^ Stephen Holden (January 12, 2007). "After a Struggle to Escape Comes an Effort to Adjust". The New York Times. Retrieved January 12, 2007.
- ^ "Press Release: The John Dau Sudan Foundation merges with the American Care for Sudan Foundation" (Press release). John Dau Foundation. Retrieved 13 November 2008.[permanent dead link]
- ^ "People Magazine: Angelina Jolie & Brad Pitt Donate to Clinic in Sudan". Retrieved 13 November 2008.[permanent dead link]
- ^ "Press Release: United Technologies Corporation donates $100,000 to JDF". John Dau Foundation. Retrieved 13 November 2008.[permanent dead link]