2021 Global Impact Award: Salva Dut

The Global Impact Award is Well Aware’s highest honor, presented annually at the Winter Waterland Gala, and recognizes an outstanding individual for their commitment to positively changing the world through leadership, advocacy, outreach, and support. The recipient demonstrates a passion and devotion to addressing the world’s most important social and humanitarian challenges.

The 2021 Global Impact Award Honors Salva Dut

Salva Dut was born in a rural village in southwestern Sudan to the Dinka tribe. At 11 years old, the Sudanese Civil War reached his village and separated Salva from his family. He joined thousands of boys, famously known as the “Lost Boys,” on their journey by foot to seek safety in refugee camps in Ethiopia and Kenya. After living in refugee camps for 10 years, Salva was given the opportunity to move to the United States. Several years later, Salva learned that his father was still alive in Southern Sudan but was suffering from disease caused by waterborne parasites. His father’s illness inspired Salva to help both his father and his country by bringing clean water to those in need. So, he began Water for South Sudan, a nonprofit focused on doing just that. Since then, he has transformed many lives and inspired people across the globe. Salva’s incredible story is told in the New York Times bestseller A Long Walk to Water by Linda Sue Park.