Niagara Catholic raising money for “Water for South Sudan”

Embarking on a Global Project – In their 1998 document, Sharing Catholic Social Teaching: Challenges and Directions-Reflections of the U.S. Catholic Bishops, the American bishop’s highlighted seven principles that serve as the foundation of the church’s social teaching.  Knowing and adopting these principles for our own lives can motivate us to action, help us to make correct choices, and ultimately lead us to be “principled” people in the area of social justice.

So what better way to do this at Niagara Catholic then to embark on a special project that certainly falls under many of the seven principles of Catholic Social teaching: Solidarity; Stewardship; Respect for Life; Rights & Duties; Common Good; Option for the Poor; Family Community Participation; Work & Workers. The project we have in mind is called “Water for South Sudan.”

“Water for South Sudan,” has a simple mission.  To drill borehole wells which bring safe drinking water to the people in South Sudan’s remote villages, transforming lives in the process.  The mission is inspired and led by its founder, a former “Lost Boy,” Salva Dut.  Salva Dut was born in a small village called Lounariik in Tonj County.  His village was then part of a region of Sudan known as southern Sudan.  His personal story is told in the book entitled “A Long Walk To Water,” by Linda Sue Park.  Salva escaped his homeland, then a region of Sudan, during that country’s decades-long civil war.  After coming to the U.S. and living in Rochester, New York for a number of years and founding Water for South Sudan, Inc., Salva now lives most of the year in South Sudan and Uganda where, as Executive Directive of East Africa Operations, he oversees the organization’s work.  Water for South Sudan, Inc. was organized in 2003 as a U.S. 501 (c) (3) not-for-profit corporation based in Rochester, New York with drilling operations in South Sudan.

Supporter/contributors in 50 US States, 29 Countries include: School classes; Faith-based organizations; Foundations; Civic Groups; Individuals; and On-line giving programs.  Niagara Catholic would like to be included among the projects supporters.

If you or anyone you may know would like to contribute in any way to our efforts please don’t hesitate to call the school at 716-283-8771.  Contributions may be made directly to Niagara Catholic Jr./Sr. High School.  We want to thank the donors who have provided us the funds to purchase a copy of the book for each student. Contacts and additional information can be found at www.waterforsouthsudan.org.