Educating Girl Groups in South Sudan

Living in a refugee camp presents profound challenges, displacing individuals and families from their homes, disrupting their lives, and subjecting them to uncertain futures. Amidst the turmoil, the Bibi Bidi Refugee Camp in Northern Uganda has become a temporary sanctuary for those fleeing the horrors of conflict. Within this context, the story of Caterina and Jentey, twin sisters from Yei, South Sudan, reflects the resilience and potential of individuals affected by such crises.

In 2017, Dr. Lawrence and I encountered Caterina and Jentey, then 9-year-old twins, whose lives had been smudged by the devastating civil war in South Sudan. Displaced from their hometown, their education was severely disrupted, a common consequence of conflict situations. The refugee camp schools were unable to provide adequate education, compelling external intervention to secure their academic future.

The intervention to place the twins in a distant and safe boarding school marked a turning point in their lives. Six years later, the twins displayed strength and enthusiasm as they embraced their education with determination. Demonstrating remarkable dedication, their academic achievements surpass expectations, showcasing the transformative power of education in rebuilding shattered lives.

Caterina and Jentey aspire to become nurses, a testament to their resilience and ambition nurtured by the conducive environment of the boarding school. This educational setting not only imparts knowledge but fosters friendships, confidence, and a sense of empowerment. Students receive well-balanced, nutritious meals that promote both their physical and cognitive development. Moreover, it ignites a ripple effect within their communities, prompting a collective realization of the pivotal role education plays in shaping a brighter future.

Girls With Books! play a pivotal role in enabling such transformations. Through continued and generous support, Girls With Books! facilitate opportunities that transcend boundaries, offering a pathway for individuals like Caterina and Jentey to realize their potential and become catalysts for change.

The story of Caterina and Jentey serves as a beacon of hope amidst adversity, showcasing the profound impact of education for refugee girls. Their journey, supported by Girls With Books!, underscores the transformative power of education in nurturing resilience, aspirations, and the capacity to effect positive change within communities.

Girls With Books! expresses heartfelt gratitude to all contributors and supporters whose generosity and commitment have been instrumental in enabling transformative journeys like those of Caterina, Jentey, and numerous other girls in similar circumstances. Your unwavering support paves the way for a brighter and more promising future for individuals affected by conflict and displacement. 

With gratitude,
Micklina Kenyi,
Executive Director