About Me

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Daniel Ukang’s life story reads like a tale of survival, resilience, and hope. Born in a small village in what is now South Sudan, the outbreak of civil war that would tear his country apart and scatter thousands of children across East Africa forever changed Daniel’s childhood.

As one of the Lost Boys of Sudan, Daniel took off on a perilous journey through the wilderness of South Sudan, refugee camps in Ethiopia, and to Kenya, Kakuma Refugee Camp. For more than a decade, he lived in conditions that tested every aspect of human endurance. Yet through it all, one thing remained constant: his belief in the power of education to transform lives. His story is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the power of hope in the face of adversity.

In the early 2000s, the United States resettled Daniel, one of 3,800 Lost Boys. This new chapter brought its own set of dangers. He had to begin in a different culture, learn a new language, and adapt to a new way of life, all while working to build a new life and support family members still in refugee camps. His resilience in the face of these challenges is a testament to his strength and determination.

Today, Daniel uses his experience to educate and inspire others. Through his writing and speaking engagements, he brings the history of South Sudan and his experience as one of the Lost Boys into classrooms across the United States. His work not only helps students understand the complexities of refugees and the importance of perseverance, but also conveys a sense of hope and a belief in the universal human desire for peace, hope, and opportunity.