Spring Break
Abstract: Deng Jongkuch, a senior majoring in health science at San Jose State University, saw his family for the first time in 18 years last May. In 1987, rebel militia killed thousands of men, women and children and burned villages as civil war broke out in Sudan. Jongkuch began an unbelievable journey that would eventually bring him to SJSU where he is taking four classes and expected to graduate in December 2007.
Launch video player
Cheap Promotional Tote Bags
Get a Free credit report search in CA.
Buy Cigars
Julie Sparks
posted 2/16/07 @ 8:56 AM PST
Thank you for your compelling article about Deng Jongkuch. It was an extremely engaging and inspiring human interest story, but more importantly, the article should bring this serious issue of the genocide in Darfur to a new audience. SJSU students are a pretty savvy group on many topics, but I've noticed that when the subject of Darfur comes up in my composition classes, most students are mystified by the term "Lost Boys."
Please continue to cover this important issue. Our students could make a real difference if they were more aware of international events that call out for their youthful energy and idealism.
Maybe the Spartan Daily could sponsor a public forum on Darfur and the related problem of severe poverty and hunger? From Eric Zimmerling's excellent article, it is clear we have an impressive student leader in Deng Jongkuch available to galvanize support. I bet we could also get Dave Eggers, Bay Area resident and author of the Lost Boys novel "What is the What?" to join us.
Julie Sparks
English Department