My Charge for The Women of South Sudan

The Chains of Dependency

Growing up in a culture that embraces polygamy, I saw firsthand how competitive relationships among women can be for resources and attention. This competition not only strained our family dynamics but also restricted our educational paths.

Many women find themselves financially dependent on their husbands, which creates an unstable situation. For example, if a spouse loses their job, the family faces economic hardship. In South Sudan, 77% of women report that they do not have any income of their own, making them vulnerable. This reliance often discourages women from pursuing education, as responsibilities shift toward home and family support.

Women gather to support each other, enjoying tea and companionship

Illuminating Statistics

The depth of the issue is evident in the stark statistics:

• 84% of South Sudanese women are illiterate, indicating significant barriers to education.

• 57% of households in the country are led by women, yet the poverty rate remains high, with over 51% of the population living below the poverty line.

• The challenges are compounded by high fertility rates, with teenage pregnancy affecting 34.5% of young women, seriously hindering their educational and economic opportunities.

  
  

These figures highlight the urgent need for change and empowerment in our communities.

A Vision for Empowerment

I dream of a future where women like myself gain essential skills in fields like cosmetology, culinary arts, and crafts. This kind of empowerment provides pathways to financial independence and the opportunity to fulfill dreams that are often delayed.

When women can earn their own incomes, they can afford educational programs. For instance, funding a literacy class may cost only $30 per participant for a month. Such an investment can dramatically affect our lives.

Economic stability allows women to engage with their communities without the constant fear of losing their homes or custody of their children due to financial struggles.

Moreover, entrepreneurship brings a renewed sense of purpose. Reducing reliance on oppressive structures helps women break free from the chains of dependency that have held us back for far too long.

Marketplace with women purchasing and selling handmade crafts.

Empowering Women for a Brighter Tomorrow

Empowering women in South Sudan is crucial not just for personal development but for societal progress. When women are empowered, entire families thrive, and communities prosper.

The journey toward independence may be challenging, but with dedicated support, it is possible to nurture an environment where women can flourish. Together, we can escape the confines of dependency, ensuring that future generations of women can access education, economic opportunities, and the chance to reach their fullest potential.

Let’s strive for a future where women of South Sudan can take control of their lives, driving their communities forward. By promoting female entrepreneurship, we are building a sustainable path to empowerment, confirming that when women succeed, everyone benefits.

In the story of South Sudan, it is time for women's voices to rise, be acknowledged, and guide the path toward transformative change. Together, we have the strength to break free.

Protecting the Children: Breaking the Cycle of Exploitation and Trauma

Children are the most vulnerable members of any society, and in South Sudan, they often bear the heaviest burdens. Sadly, many children are exploited in family disputes, deprived of basic necessities, and face traumas that can echo throughout their lives. We must establish strong support systems to safeguard their well-being and give them a fair chance at a brighter future.

The Innocence Lost

Children are often used as pawns in family conflicts, especially when relatives abroad cannot meet financial demands or oppose certain customs. This kind of exploitation endangers their safety and inflicts severe psychological harm, hindering their development. For example, a child may be forced to drop out of school to fulfill family obligations, leading to a lack of skills that could otherwise help them escape poverty.

Local stories frequently illustrate these harsh realities. I've spoken to families whose children carry the weight of financial burdens, leading to a significant loss of childhood. Imagine a vibrant five-year-old, forced to take on adult responsibilities, while peers play freely. That stark contrast highlights a heartbreaking reality that feels unjust.

Heartbreaking Statistics

Child Mortality: South Sudan has one of the highest child mortality rates in the world, with an estimated 1 in 10 children dying before their fifth birthday. Malnutrition and preventable diseases, such as malaria and pneumonia, are major contributors to this tragic statistic.

I have met children who often lack the strength to play

Mental Health Crisis: Ongoing conflicts and poverty leave many children traumatized. A report from UNICEF indicates that over 80% of children in South Sudan have experienced some form of violence or trauma. The lack of available mental health services means these young individuals often feel isolated, burdened by grief and fear.

Impact of Trauma

The effects of early trauma extend far beyond childhood. Research shows that children facing exploitation or violence are at a higher risk of developing mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, and PTSD. A study from the World Health Organization states that approximately 25% of children who experience trauma show long-term mental health challenges, which can affect their educational performance and future opportunities.

These issues can trap families in cycles of poverty, as unaddressed mental health problems can hinder a child's ability to learn, limiting their chances for a better future.

Building a Sanctuary of Support

To protect South Sudan's children, we need holistic and practical solutions that focus on immediate needs and foster long-term growth.

Ensure Nutrition

Nutrition is essential for recovery and growth. Implementing consistent and adequate feeding programs can help combat malnutrition. For instance, organizations can set up community kitchens that serve nutritious meals, making a significant impact on children’s health.

Local input is crucial to ensure sustainability and relevance. Community gardens and cooking classes can empower families, giving them the skills needed to improve their diets while also strengthening community ties.

Offer Education

Education plays a vital role in nurturing resilience. Initiatives that create accessible educational opportunities can promote personal growth.

I have learned about remarkable efforts by local nonprofits establishing schools that provide safe environments for learning. These institutions offer education and a sense of stability. It is crucial to ensure that girls also benefit from these opportunities, as they often face greater barriers to education.

Provide Protection

Creating secure environments where children are shielded from exploitation and abuse is essential. Child protection services need to be improved with trained professionals who can identify at-risk children and intervene when necessary.

Community programs should engage families, offering support and conflict resolution strategies to help reduce the chances of children being used in disputes.

Deliver Psychological Support

The mental health of children in South Sudan is a priority that cannot be overlooked. Integrating counseling services into existing support systems can provide essential emotional support.

Therapists trained in trauma-informed approaches can help children express and process their experiences. Schools can partner with local mental health organizations to ensure students have access to psychological services, promoting healing and well-being.

Taking Action Together

The cycle of exploitation and trauma faced by children in South Sudan requires immediate action. Every step taken to ensure their nutrition, education, protection, and mental well-being is essential for breaking a cycle that has persisted for far too long.

As someone committed to advocating for these children, I believe that our efforts can lead to a brighter future. Mobilizing resources, amplifying the voices of affected individuals, and actively seeking solutions can transform the landscape for South Sudan’s vulnerable children.

They deserve more than mere survival; they deserve the chance to thrive. We must act now to create a supportive sanctuary that safeguards the innocence of these remarkable young souls.

In South Sudan, children joyfully celebrate Christmas gifts

Every child has the right to a life filled with love, learning, and opportunity. Together, we can work to ensure that these rights are upheld in South Sudan.

Finding Hope in South Sudan: Empowering Young Men

In the heart of Africa lies South Sudan, a nation rich in culture and resources but grappling with deep social challenges. Among the most pressing is the crisis affecting its young men. Stripped of purpose and opportunity, many young men fall into cycles of crime and incarceration. This tragedy represents not just a loss for these individuals but a significant setback for the nation's future.

The Vicious Cycle of Exploitation and Despair

In South Sudan, traditional practices have inadvertently marginalized young men. Older generations often exploit younger women, which limits young men’s prospects for marriage and roles in society. This marginalization leads to feelings of hopelessness and drives many young men toward delinquency. For example, a lack of guidance and education can push young men into violence or crime, as they feel they have no other options. With 40% of marriages in South Sudan being polygamous, competition for partners only intensifies, making the situation even more dire for single young men.

Staggering Statistics

To grasp the context of this issue, let's consider some crucial statistics. Around 72% of South Sudan's population is under the age of 30, and a staggering 11% of young men aged 15 and older are unemployed. In contrast, women's unemployment stands slightly higher at 13%. This lack of job opportunities leads many young men to engage in risky behavior or criminal activities out of desperation. Furthermore, with 50% of the youth expressing that they want to leave the country in search of better opportunities, the potential brain drain poses a significant threat to the nation's development.

A Cry for Intervention

Family members working within the prison system have seen firsthand the wasted potential of these young men. They advocate for programs that offer employment and mentorship. Many inmates could be released if viable opportunities existed to keep them out of trouble. After speaking with families who have lost hope for their sons trapped in this cycle, it is clear that targeted intervention is urgently needed.

The Path Forward

To break this cycle, a comprehensive approach is essential. As I embarked on my journey to empower young men in South Sudan, I realized the importance of combining vocational training with spiritual guidance.

Vocational Training

Implementing vocational training programs can equip young men with sought-after skills, turning them into valuable contributors to the economy. Workshops in carpentry, tailoring, and welding could become life-changing experiences for many. For example, in a recent workshop, young men learned furniture-making skills that not only improved their livelihoods but also fostered community pride as they produced quality products that could be sold locally.

Spiritual Guidance

Integrating biblical teachings can instill discipline, purpose, and moral grounding in young men. This framework helps them understand their value beyond societal expectations. My experiences have shown that when young men are guided spiritually, they often bounce back in remarkable ways. For instance, a young man may transform his life after realizing he possesses inherent worth that society has overlooked.

Empowerment through Jesus: Barnabas's journey in Faith brings newfound confidence and hope for the future.

My Personal Journey

Throughout this Journey, I encountered transformative moments that strengthened my mission. One poignant story is that of Barnabas Biong Biong, a young man who, along with other young individuals, prayed for me as I faced sickness during my stay. Initially, my heart was heavy with hopelessness, and he could see the weight of despair on my shoulders.

I hadn't eaten for two days when **Barnabas and four others—Deng Bol, Daniel Mareng, Bol Mareng, and a young girl, Ayei Deng—** came together to pray for me. They worshiped, interceded, and allowed themselves to be used by God to bring healing. After their prayers, I was able to eat again, and within two days, I was fully healed—all to the glory of God.

By providing Barnabas with opportunities to lead other young men to follow his example, we witnessed a remarkable transformation in his leadership and influence among the youth. As he grew in wisdom, his self-worth soared, and he began to see hope for a brighter future. This moment was not just a testimony of healing but a powerful example of the strength and faith rising within South Sudan’s next generation.

Each success story, like Barnabas', fuels my passion even further. It is about breaking the cycle and creating environments where young men can thrive and seize available opportunities.

Building Community Engagement

Engaging the community is crucial for the success of initiatives aimed at young men in South Sudan. When families and elders witness the transformation in their youth, they often become strong advocates for training programs. Building a supportive network that enlists every sector of society is essential for uplifting these young men.

I frequently involve community leaders in training sessions, sharing the triumphs and challenges faced. Their support can be a driving force for young men considering change.

Collaborating with Organizations

Collaboration is vital in expanding our efforts. Partnering with NGOs and local businesses enhances our resources and reach. Together, we can develop mentorship programs, job placements, and business opportunities that significantly shift the landscape of young men’s lives in South Sudan.

By pooling our strengths, we can ensure that initiatives are sustainable and effective, benefiting the community in the long term.

Young boys joyfully display their new Kontinu shirts, a heartwarming Christmas gift from my son’s clothing brand.

Embracing Change for a Brighter Future

The intricate issues facing South Sudan's young men are multifaceted, and the road to change is laden with obstacles. However, by focusing on vocational training, spiritual guidance, community engagement, and organizational collaboration, we can create waves of hope.

During my journey, I have learned that true change begins with understanding, compassion, and directed efforts. Each young man I meet embodies hope, resilience, and the promise of a brighter future. Together, we can break the cycle of exploitation and despair. My mission is to empower these young men to rise, reclaim their worth, and contribute meaningfully to their families and communities.