Deng Gai Thiec

My name is Deng Gai Thiec. I was born in Daar Werkok, Bor in Southern Sudan.  Since 1987, I separated from my parents due to civil war in Sudan. For many years I have been in exile in Sudan’s neighboring countries such as Ethiopia and Kenya.

My education is like someone climbing on the mountain without stick to support him or her self. When I started school, there were no stationeries, pencils, pens, blackboard, or assignment books. However, I was struggling until I finished primary school and then continued to secondary school in Kenya.

I Came to the United State of America in 2001, and I now live in Nashville Tennessee. I graduated from college in 2006 with a two year Associate degree in Office Administration Professional.  I am now a student at Austin Peay State University, and I am studying Business Administration concentrating in Management.

I am a part of WYDA because, as the proverb said, “one hand cannot clap without another, but two hands can do it.” When I heard about this Water and Youth development program from James Mabior, WYDA’s founder, I became excited to join because I am always thinking about our people back home.

Our people are now still drinking stagnant water, which cause many of them to become ill. I am motivated to be a participant in WYDA because, as former U.S. President John F. Kennedy once said, “Think not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country”. I’m always thinking about what I can do to help my people back home. If this program succeeds, our people will no longer be drinking dirty water. This is why I am excited to put my hand into this organization so that we can make it possible to help our people back home.

My goals are to complete my business education and help my people back home. Through WYDA I think I can begin to reach my goal.