The Oneonta Middle School, in partnership with Charlotte Valley Central School, Hartwick College and the foundation Building Minds in South Sudan were honored to have Mr. Sebastian Maroundit visit with our students. Sebastian came to the United States from Southern Sudan in 2001 as part of a United Nations refugee resettlement program. Sebastian is a former “Lost Boy” who escaped as a child from a genocidal war in his native country by traveling thousands of miles on foot through deserts and difficult terrain, without supplies while being stalked by wild animals and murderous militia. A book was written about Sebastian's experiences titled, A Long Walk to Water by Linda Sue Park, which all middle school students have read. Sebastian is currently living, working and attending college in Rochester NY and presented to us on his incredible story and his efforts with the non-profit organization Building Minds in South Sudan to provide children in the Sudan with schools and the opportunity for education. Sebastian's organization also focuses on raising awareness and funding to build schools for girls in the Sudan. Visit the Building Minds in South Sudan to learn more, donate or read about Sebastian's incredible journey.
