The story behind our beginnings
What Is The What
The novel by Dave Eggers is based on Valentino Achak Deng's early life as a refugee from South Sudan, and is closely connected to the VAD Foundation's founding story.
A story that inspired action
From personal history to community-led work
As a child in the 1980s, Valentino was separated from his family during Sudan's long-running civil war and grew up in refugee camps in Ethiopia and Kenya. His life story later became the basis for What Is The What.
Valentino's experience and connection to South Sudan helped inspire the foundation, established in 2006 to increase access to education and support sustainable development. Today, the work continues through schooling, farming, and vocational skills programs.
More about our mission