Santino Majok Chuor
Peter Nyarol Dut
4/27/2005 UPDATE:
Peter has received a full scholarship to attend Green Mountain College in Poultney, Vt., beginning in September. The scholarship is worth about $120,000. Peter still hopes to become a doctor so that he can "help others in the way that people have helped him." Find out more about his achievement in this article in the Kansas City Star newspaper. (free, registration required)
The Lost Boys Group
The "Lost Boys" are strong individuals rather than a homogenous group, so it is impossible to give an update on them all. But as a whole the group is doing well, connecting more with their communities and finding the educational opportunities they are so focused on. Two of the young men who worked with us as translators on the film have enrolled this fall at the prestigious universities, Stanford and American. They are among many Sudanese youth finding academic success. Unfortunately, the successes are accompanied by heart-breaking stories of "Lost Boys" who have been victims of violence. The "Lost Boys" are survivors and we are convinced that they will make the most of the opportunities America has to offer them and in the process make this a better country.
The Film
Last Spring, "Lost Boys of Sudan" won the Independent Spirit/Truer Than Fiction Award. The film played theatrically across the country to tremendous critical praise. The film was screened on Capitol Hill for the Congressional Refugee and Human Rights Caucus staffs and at the State Department. We have enjoyed traveling with Peter and Santino to share their story with audiences around the country. One of the most satisfying things for us has been seeing how deeply audiences connect with the story and how motivated they are to get involved. We consistently hear from viewers who say that learning of the "Lost Boys" has changed their life and motivated them to engage in their community in a way they never had before. We have worked in partnership with a range of community groups to give audiences clear ways to get involved. Countless individuals have volunteered to be mentors, organized fundraisers, lobbied their elected officials, and educated their colleagues and neighbors through the "Lost Boys" story.
Thanks for your interest,
Megan and Jon