" />
By Allie Perison
Editor in Chief
Video by Emily Mankin
Nine years ago former Lost Boy Santino Athian found a new life in Dallas, Texas. Last Friday, CHS students had the opportunity to hear Athian’s incredible journey and see first hand how far their help with the Hope for Africa has gone.
“His story is so inspiring,” senior Allison Redner said. “It made me very grateful for my current situation and made me want to help other people more.”
Athian first heard about Coppell’s involvement with Hope for Africa while reading an article in a local newspaper. He was so moved by the student’s efforts to provide clean water for communities in Sudan that he figured out how to contact CHS and asked for the opportunity to speak.
“We hear stories of the plight in Africa on television and in the news, but hearing it firsthand makes it more real,” Hope for Africa sponsor Matt Bowden said. “When you see someone who went through it and look them in the eyes, it just brings it home.”
“I thought I have to meet these students and give them thanks face to face for what they did,” Athian said.
Athian moved to the Dallas area in 2001 after living most of his life in various refugee camps. At nine years old he ran away from his home for protection leaving him without his family and friends. This is where his harrowing journey as a Lost Boy began.
“I walked for 90 days with no shoes, no water, no food,” Athian said. “That’s why they call us Lost Boys. We run away as young boys and cross borders. We could only walk at night because the government was looking for us.”
Living in fear of the government who many associated with murdering their families, Athian and thousands of other boys walked trying to look past all the hardships standing in their way.
“Some kids died on the way by animal bites or being famished,” Athian said. “When there were boys sitting in a certain way you knew they could not walk anymore. You know you have to leave them to die. If you were a good friend you would stay and wait for them to die. There was nothing you could do. I was just waiting for my time.”
Eventually, Athian ended up at a refugee camp in Kenya. While there he was asked by care givers if he would like to come to America. At first, he was confused. He did not understand why people would want to offer him schooling and just give him food and water, necessities he was not used to having handed to him.
After a couple of Lost Boys agreed to go, they wrote letter back to Athian and other boys telling them that the trip was safe. In April of 2001 Athian, along with his cousin, decided to take the trip to America.
Once there, although a little skeptical of the food, Athian worked to adjust to American life. He got a job at Baylor Medical Center and started community college.
“If there was no U.S., I would not be here,” Athian said. “They are why I am here today.”
Throughout his whole experience, Athian found hope in America. With American volunteers providing food, clothing, and most importantly, water, Athian credits the work that groups like Hope for Africa and Water is Basic do for part of the survival of many of Sudan’s people.
“I want everyone to know you are helping a lot,” Athian said. “The $1 you give saves five people. I am so excited that there are kind people who want to help Sudan.”
