How Does Salva Survive In A Long Walk To Water

In A Long Walk to Water, Linda Sue Park tells the story of a boy named Salva which became a refuge after his village got attacked by rebels. Salva grew up a lucky child, his grandfather found his village. Salva lived in South Sudan with his parents and sister. I believe Salva survived in A Long Walk to Water by showing all of his skills.
Salva survived by depending on others like when his uncle had a gun Salva felt safe. As in the text it states ¨Uncle was seen by the group as a kind of leader¨ so salva was treated like royalty for being related to him. Salva wasn't treated as good since his Uncle died as in the text it states ¨no one shared anything with him, neither food nor company¨
My quote is an example of survival by when salva said ¨it